NFL power rankings: Steelers get another boost before their Week 7 bye

16. Pittsburgh Steelers

After a three-game losing streak, the Pittsburgh Steelers have won two straight to even the score with a 3-3 record. The defense is starting to look healthy again, but there are still a few issues that haven’t been fixed. However, the offense is still a much bigger concern as Ben Roethlisberger’s team is averaging just 19.5 points per game over his last 12 regular-season contests dating back to the 2020 season. They have a Week 7 bye to get things figured out.

15. Las Vegas Raiders

When the Raiders are hot, they can compete with any team in the league. Unfortunately, they haven’t been as consistent as fans would have hoped. Still, Las Vegas is coming off one of their most impressive offensive performances of the season on the road against the Broncos in a 34-point outing. They will try to build on this against the Eagles this week.

14. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings might be 3-3 on the season, but they have lost by just 7 points or fewer in each loss this season — one of which included a 33-34 loss to the Cardinals. Most recently, they are coming off an overtime win on the road against the Panthers. Still, barely defeating the Lions in Week 5 was a bad look. They could climb higher in my NFL power rankings, but I think 14th is fair for now.

13. Cleveland Browns

Cleveland’s highs are pretty high, but their lows are quite low. Last week against the Arizona Cardinals, it never really felt like they had a chance, and their defense allowed 37 points at home. After two straight losses against quality opponents, the Browns are starting to slip in NFL power rankings.

12. New Orleans Saints

I have a hard time buying that the Saints are legitimate contenders at this point, but they are 3-2 and each one of their wins has been by at least two scores this season. However, losing to the Giants in overtime two weeks ago leaves a sour taste in my mouth. The Saints need to prove that they can take care of business against bad football teams before they climb any higher.

11. Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals are one team that has exceeded nearly all expectations so far this year. Joe Burrow’s team is 4-2 and nearly defeated Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers in overtime in Week 5. This past week, they crushed the Lions on the road. Now they get a very difficult divisional matchup against the Ravens in Baltimore. They could shoot up in my NFL power rankings with an impressive road win.