NFL Week 5 power rankings: Steelers fall to the 5th spot

Week 4 was a disappointment for Steelers fans. Pittsburgh was scheduled to take on the Tennessee Titans in a clash between AFC contenders, however, COVID-19 had other plans.

In Dan Hanzus’ weekly power rankings for Week 4, the Steelers spent their second consecutive week in the 4th spot. Pittsburgh found themselves high on the list after starting the season 3-0 beating three teams that they, quite frankly, were expected to beat.

It was promising to see this team go undefeated in September. In 2018 and 2019 the Steelers got off to rough starts in the first month of the season and had to climb out of a hole. For the first time in a few years, the Steelers are going to give themselves some breathing room.

This offense looked to be balancing the run and passing game in an effective manner.  They are getting more players involved than in years past as well. The top four receivers are all bringing something different to the table. In addition, James Conner is running strong and It seems Anthony McFarland may be working his way into the backup role behind Conner.

Where are the Steelers ranked this week?

In Dan Hanzus‘ Week 5 power rankings, the Steelers fell one spot to number 5. This is a number nobody should be disappointed about. In fact, I believe it is a more realistic spot for Pittsburgh to be in right now.

The Seahawks stumbled last week against Miami and I believe they have more question marks than what meets the eye. Seeing Buffalo move up to the fourth spot did not shock me. The Bills have a more than capable defense with playmakers are all three levels like Tre’Davious White, Ed Oliver, and Tremaine Edmunds. Buffalo’s offense is what has been the surprise of the year with Josh Allen looking like an MVP candidate throwing to his new toy, Stefon Diggs.

The Steelers have played three teams who currently have a combined record of 1-11 but the thing that has kept them so high in the rankings is the way they have won. The Steelers offense looks to have flipped a switch. Ben Roethlisberger is not forcing as many throws and keeping his turnovers lower than we have seen in years. This offense is putting more points on the board and while the defense keeps them off. T.J. Watt and company are swarming quarterbacks and making adjustments for second-half success.

Is this the right spot for the Steelers?

I think this is exactly where Steelers should stand right now until they show otherwise. I can’t see them being favored against the Bills at this current time. Buffalo’s offense would be a tough matchup for this defense. Trying to keep Josh Allen contained and not converting on third downs would be a true test with the way the defensive backfield has played lately. The secondary will need to channel last year’s dominance and put less pressure on the front seven bringing pressure.

If there is an injury to either T.J. Watt or Bud Dupree the secondary could be put in a bad position for the three-game stretch after the Eagles. The Steelers should roll over Philly before starting their first run against good teams.