NFL Power Rankings, Week 8: Steelers reclaim their spot in the Top 10, but doubters still exist

The only consistent aspect of the Pittsburgh Steelers are their inconsistencies, but maybe this is a trend which is about to change.

After an opening week tie with the Cleveland Browns, followed by a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Steelers had shown it all — amazing offense, head-scratching play calling and shoddy defense, among others.

Needless to say, the Steelers experienced a precipitous drop in the weekly NFL Power Rankings because of their poor play which resulted in a 0-1-1 record heading into Week 3. However, a 30-27 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football had the Steelers on the rise. Right on cue, the next week they suffered a 26-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday Night Football, the Pittsburgh roller coaster was again on the decline.

Have no fear Steelers fans, a dominant performance in Week 5 vs. the Atlanta Falcons in followed by a big win over the Cincinnati Bengals has the team continuing on their upward trend. Or as Mike Tomlin would say, “The arrow is pointing up.”

Inconsistent is the theme here with this team.

In reality, these power rankings mean nothing, but they’re great for conversation and debate. This week, the Steelers saw themselves claw their way back into the Top 10, but some are still not believers in the black-and-gold.

Coming off a Week 7 bye week, the Steelers will be looking to continue their winning ways as they try to win three straight games in an effort to resurrect their rankings status.

Check out the rankings, and let us know what you think in the comment section below!

ESPN

1. Los Angeles Rams
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. New England Patriots
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Minnesota Vikings
7. Baltimore Ravens
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Need more from: RB Le’Veon Bell. Hard to step up when you have yet to step into the team facility, but that’s what the Steelers need from Bell. Pittsburgh ranks 26th in rushing yards per game (88.7), is tied for 24th in rushing first downs per game (4.8) and is 20th in yards per rush (4.1).”
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Philadelphia Eagles

SB Nation

1. Los Angeles Rams
2. New England Patriots
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Baltimore Ravens
7. Minnesota Vikings
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
9. Washington Redskins
10. Carolina Panthers

USA Today

1. Los Angeles Rams
2. New Orleans Saints
3. New England Patriots
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Minnesota Vikings
7. Baltimore Ravens
8. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Would you trade for Le’Veon Bell considering he hasn’t even graced a practice field in nine months? And the vacation rolls onward.”
9. Washington Redskins
10. Carolina Panthers

NBC Sports

1. Los Angeles Rams
2. New England Patriots
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6 .Washington Redskins
7. Minnesota Vikings
8. Carolina Panthers
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
“It helps to be in first place, but Le’Veon Bell just going MIA again is so weird.”
10. Green Bay Packers