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5 Steelers who must thrive the rest of the way for Pittsburgh to make playoffs

Pittsburgh will be counting on these Steelers to lead them to glory down the stretch.

By Ryan Pawloski

Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Oct 28, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws a pass against the New York Giants during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images / Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
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With the black and gold sitting at a 6-2 record, fans are starting to get their hopes up. Their defense has plenty of top players, while the offense seems to be starting to put things together. Despite their record, not everyone should be 100 percent certain this team could go anywhere in the playoffs right now. They still have plenty to prove for the rest of the year.

Take everything with a grain of salt right now. When they return to action, they will be going up against the toughest remaining schedule in the NFL. The Steelers normally find ways to be consistent throughout the year, but they will be tested each week.

If they want to not only make the playoffs but win some games in the postseason, then Pittsburgh will be relying on certain players to set up.

Pittsburgh will rely on these Steelers to take them to another level

Russell Wilson

Starting with the obvious choice here for the Steelers. They will succeed as far as Russell Wilson will as their starting quarterback. He hasn't been perfect through two starts in Pittsburgh, but he has provided a spark on offense. He isn't afraid to make some throws downfield, and that has been a quality attribute. Wilson is not only playing for wins, but he is working to land a new contract.

Cam Heyward

Many thought a contract extension before the season was a bad idea for the Steelers, but it has paid off thus far. Cam Heyward has been terrific as he continues to hold off father time. Due to his age, he will need to find ways to extend this success not only for the remainder of the regular season but hopefully a long run into the playoffs. Doing that at Heyward's age won't be easy, but the Steelers need him.

READ MORE: Steelers final record predictions: Still Curtain optimistic

Broderick Jones

He might be the worst starter for the Steelers thus far. Broderick Jones is certainly the most disappointing Pittsburgh player. He needs to find some sort of way to turn things around in the second half of this season. It has been ugly for Jones thus far, and if it continues, the Steelers could be looking for his replacement soon enough. Jones must have a strong conclusion to the campaign.

Payton Wilson

One name flying under the radar for the Steelers has been Payton Wilson. He is such a quick linebacker and has shown steady signs of growth throughout his rookie season. Patrick Queen has not been the best signing in free agency, but Wilson could help turn that around in a hurry with his emergence. Pittsburgh needs better play from their linebackers and Wilson can grow into that.

Pat Freiermuth

No matter if Pittsburgh lands a receiver upgrade or not, Pat Freiermuth needs to have a better second half of the year. If he plays better, then it will take pressure away from George Pickens and the Steeler's poor receiving core. Freiermuth isn't having a bad year, but he is getting paid to produce more than he is. With Wilson in the fold, everyone's numbers should start to increase.

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