NFL Power Rankings Wrap-up: Pittsburgh Steelers Week 15

The Steelers made a major case for the playoffs with a statement game in Cincinnati. I went to the Jungle with a friend to see the game in person, knowing full well that it would be a long drive home with a Bengals fan if they lost. Luckily, I got to gloat for two hours on the ride back to Columbus. We were sitting in the end zone where Ben threw the bomb to Martavis Bryant, and I must say it was a thing of beauty. Now the path is simple. Win and you’re in. Winning out will give the division to the Steelers. Some have pointed out that the Atlanta game is not a must win since it is out of conference. I beg to differ, and here’s why. Baltimore has Jacksonville, Houston and Cleveland left which is not exactly a challenging group of games. If the Steelers lay an egg in Atlanta and beat KC and Cincinnati, they are 10-6 and Baltimore gets the division. The Steelers would probably get the 5th seed and have to go to Baltimore, to face the Ravens and Haloti Ngata’s return. So, if the Steelers want a chance of getting to the playoffs and moving on, its time to make the run. Here is how the Steelers win played in the NFL power rankings:

"That was a season-saving victory at Cincinnati. The offense might have to carry this team the rest of the way.  – Pete Prisco (CBS Sports, Ranked #12)"

I don’t see this as a big shock. The defense was suspect coming into the season, and the safety play has been horrendous of late. The Steelers must score and score often to win.

"Two players in NFL history have three straight games with at least 200 yards from scrimmage: Le’Veon Bell in the past three weeks and Walter Payton in 1977. Not bad company. – ESPN.com (Ranked #10)"

Big move up to number ten. Le’Veon has shown patience and power, and I think you can certainly make the case for Bell being MVP.

"It was gut-check time for the Steelers, and Mike Tomlin‘s guys responded in Cincinnati. Watching Le’Veon Bell rack up 148 of his 235 total yards (and all three of his touchdowns, including one through the air) in the second half on Sunday, I found myself wondering if there’s any back in the NFL as good as him — including DeMarco Murray. I think Bell takes the cake, easily. Thoughts? (@HarrisonNFL)   – Elliott Harrison (NFL.com, Ranked #10)"

Just 74 yards from scrimmage separate Murray and Bell. If the Steelers can find a #2 wide receiver (other than Le’Veon) they will be hard to stop.

"The secondary continues to give up big plays on a weekly basis, but the Steelers have proved that they can win games by outscoring their opponents. Le’Veon Bell’s breakout season has transformed the Steelers into one of the league’s most balanced and high-powered offenses.  –Dan Schneier (FoxSports, Ranked #16)"

I’m sorry but this is another crap ranking by Fox. The Steelers are ranked behind the Rams, Chargers Dolphins, Bills and Texans. Just plain wrong.

"Over a span of eight minutes and 20 seconds Sunday, the Steelers scored 25 points to swipe a critical win from Cincinnati. A 3-0 finish would give Pittsburgh the division title. Can it happen? No doubt. Will it? Good luck trying to figure that out. With the way this season is going, anything is possible, from a perfect close to Ben Roethlisberger forgetting which day the next game is.  –Chris Burke (SI.com, Ranked #12)"

Anything is possible. Which is why I hope they go to Atlanta and smack the crap out of them. Let’s go Steelers!