NFL Power Rankings, Week 9: Steelers continue to rise near Top 5 status

The only consistent aspect of the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018 have been their inconsistencies, but maybe this trend is starting 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.” Throw in their most recent win, a Week 8 win over the Browns, and it is safe to say it looks like the Steelers have turned the proverbial corner.

So, where do they rank in the latest Power Rankings?

We all realize 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 hesitant in the black-and-gold.

Coming off their Week 8 win, the Steelers will be looking to continue their winning ways as they prepare for the Baltimore Ravens in Week 8, and a win would certainly 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 Orleans Saints
4. New England Patriots
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Carolina Panthers
7. Pittsburgh Steelers
“The Steelers have been spooked into dropping the football too often. Pittsburgh’s offense has 11 fumbles through seven games, including five for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and three for running back James Conner. The offense recorded 15 fumbles all of last season. Though many of the fumbles were recovered, coach Mike Tomlin values ball security above nearly all else.”
8. Minnesota Vikings
9. Philadelphia Eagles
10. Baltimore Ravens

USA Today

1. Los Angeles Rams
2. New Orleans Saints
3. New England Patriots
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Los Angeles Chargers
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Treat — there are few things more fun right now than watching TE Vance McDonald consistently go Mark Bavaro on opposing defenders.”
7. Washington Redskins
8. Carolina Panthers
9. Minnesota Vikings
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. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. Carolina Panthers
8. Chicago Bears
9. Washington Redskins
10. Philadelphia Eagles

NBC Sports

1. Los Angeles Rams
2. New Orleans Saints
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. New England Patriots
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Why they’re here: Who needs Le’Veon Bell? James Connor has had three straight games over over 110 rushing yards and two touchdowns. This team is a contender, with Bell or not.”
6. Los Angeles Chargers
7. Minnesota Vikings
8. Washington Redskins
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Houston Texans