Pittsburgh Steelers Could Have a Tough AFC on Their Hands in 2017

Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) poses for a photo against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 18, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson (28) poses for a photo against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Packers 17-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Barring no setbacks, the Pittsburgh Steelers will head into the 2017 season as a favorite to win the AFC.

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This comes before rumors of the New England Patriots becoming unstoppable and the Oakland Raiders adding Marshawn Lynch. Now, the Steelers are still a favorite, but with the possibility of a much tougher road.

After reports appeared, then disappeared, then reappeared of Adrian Peterson signing with the New England Patriots, the rest of the NFL is enduring a rollercoaster ride they’d like to get off. The defending Super Bowl champs already have arguably the greatest quarterback of all-time, and now they’re thinking of adding one of the NFL’s best running backs.

On top of that, the Patriots are rumored to be talking with the Seattle Seahawks about the possibility of trading for cornerback, Richard Sherman. I mean if they didn’t think they could be disliked anymore than they already are, think twice. Now, the NFL forms their first big three, and it’s on the best team in the league.

Oh, and not to mention New England has already boosted their offense by trading for Brandin Cooks from the New Orleans Saints. But hey, who doesn’t want to see the Pats go 16-0 again, right?

With talks of New England’s interest now fading, the possibility to slim, but the scare is just as high.

Then, there’s the Oakland Raiders who have mutual interest with retired running back and former Super Bowl Champion, Marshawn Lynch. After leaving the NFL early, Lynch was reportedly interested in returning last season, but now expresses, even more, interest in joining the Raiders. With a healthy Derrick Carr and the addition of Martelles Bennett, Oakland’s offense could be one of the best in 2017.

But it’s all okay because the Denver Broncos are a quarterback away from being a Super Bowl contender and Tony Romo retired. So, that means it’s either draft of Trevor Simeon next season, and either one isn’t going to win you a Championship.

All this is under the consideration that it may or may not happen. But hey, you might as well prepare for the worst. Unfortunately, this season, the worst is as bad as it can possibly get. One more major rumor in the AFC, like Ben Roethlisberger not returning, and Pittsburgh can start to worry a little.

Chances are Lynch could end up in Oakland and Peterson may be a Patriot, but all three scenarios happening is a stretch. Unless, Bill Belichick is attempting his master plan to return to his undefeated season, getting both AP and Sherman isn’t likely to happen.

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The key word is could. The Steelers could be in for one of the hardest AFC’s they have ever encountered. Is it guaranteed? No, but you might as well prepare like it’s going to happen. Because if it does, you’re not going to want to handle it all at once.

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