Steelers stay put in week 12 NFL power rankings
By Kim Myers
With a week off the Steelers largely remain in their previous spots in this week’s NFL Power Rankings.
Seems like the Steelers are everyone’s sexy pick to finish the season strong and head into the playoffs with a vengeance. Let’s hope it ends up playing out that way. The Steelers defense seems to be just a few adjustments on the pass defense away from completely stopping opposing offenses in their tracks while the Steelers offense is capable of taking off at any given moment.
Elliot Harrison has NFL.com’s Week 12 Power Rankings with the Steelers listed at No. 7. He reminds us that last year’s Steelers went 4-1 after their Week 12 bye to win the AFC North division title.
"“Week 11 brought a much-needed bye, at least for Ben Roethlisberger. A not about these late bye weeks: They prove teams like the Steelers – in the heart of a playoff race – with 13 days to put 10 games of bumps, bruises and playing through pain behind them. Last year, Pittsburgh’s bye came in Week 12. Just so you know, Mike Tomlin’s group went 4-1 down the stretch to win the AFC North.” – Elliot Harrison"
ESPN’s Power Rankings have the Steelers staying put at No. 9 and cautioning against getting too excited about the Steelers’ chances on the road down the stretch.
"“The Steelers go on the road for four of their final six games. Ben Roethlisberger has one touchdown and two interceptions on the road this season.” – espn.com"
Dan Schneier of Fox Sports has bumped the Steelers up to the fifth spot, ahead of the Denver Broncos, without them even having to play a game last week.
"“With another week for Ben Roethlisberger to get healthy, don’t be surprised if the Steelers turn into a pass-heavy approach for the rest of the season.” – Dan Schneier"
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports has the Steelers up three spots to No. 8, just ahead of their next opponent, the Seattle Seahawks.
"“They come off their bye with a tough one at Seattle. It’s a must-win for both teams.” – Pete Prisco"
Frank Schwab at Yahoo Sports’ Shutdown Corner lists the Steelers in the sixth spot overall anticipating an entertaining matchup between Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” defense and Pittsburgh’s passing game.
"“Sunday will be a really fun game at Seattle. This Seahawks defense isn’t wat it was the last couple of years, but it’s still a great matchup against the Steelers’ fantastic passing game.” – Frank Schwab"
In other Power Rankings across the NFL media outlets USA Today Sports has the Steelers No. 7, SB Nation has the Steelers in the sixth spot, and FanSided put the Steelers at No. 8.
The overall consensus is that the Steelers are a top ten team right now. Seems pretty accurate considering their record and the fact that this year is so awful for most teams. There’s a whole lot of teams with .500 or worse records at this point of the season.
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The Steelers are definitely not a .500 or below team, as long as they have a healthy Ben Roethlisberger. The immediate future of the Steelers is absolutely dependent upon his health.