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NFL Power Rankings, Week 5: Steelers’ first win gives them a bump up the rankings

The Pittsburgh Steelers have plenty of work to do before being considered a Top 10 team in 2019.

NFL: Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports

The Pittsburgh Steelers are now 1-3 after Week 4 of the 2019 regular season, but how they got to this record has been a roller coaster ride. After a 33-3 drubbing by the defending champion New England Patriots, the Steelers followed it up with a close 28-26 loss to the Seattle Seahawks in Week 2 at Heinz Field. The loss was more than just another loss on the record, but the team lost Ben Roethlisberger in the process. With Mason Rudolph under center in Week 3, he was unable to lead the Steelers to victory over the San Francisco 49ers in Santa Clara, but did claim his first career win after beating the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday Night Football in Week 4.

But before we get ahead of ourselves, it is that time of week where we check in on what other outlets are saying about the black-and-gold in those weekly Power Ranking articles. We all realize these rankings are completely meaningless, but they are great for discussion. Not just where the Steelers are ranked, but who made the Top 5 who should have, or shouldn’t have?

Check out the Power Rankings below, and be sure to let us know your thoughts on the rankings in the comment section below!

ESPN

1. New England Patriots
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Los Angeles Rams
5. Dallas Cowboy
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Seattle Seahawks
8. San Francisco 49ers
9. Chicago Bears
10. Baltimore Ravens
...
26. Pittsburgh Steelers

“How to increase their playoff chances: It all comes down to the run. RB James Conner, who averaged a paltry 2.9 yards per carry before Monday’s game, needs to get it going on offense. The only way to get a green quarterback comfortable is to find more balance in the offense, and right now, the Steelers’ No. 31-ranked rushing offense isn’t getting it done. If Conner can’t be effective, then it might be time for the team to look at other options -- including rookie Benny Snell Jr. or second-year back Jaylen Samuels -- to avoid missing the playoffs for the second year in a row. -- Brooke Pryor”


NFL.com

1. New England Patriots
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Dallas Cowboys
5. Chicago Bears
6. Philadelphia Eagles
7. San Francisco 49ers
8. Los Angeles Rams
9. Green Bay Packers
10. Seattle Seahawks
...
26. Pittsburgh Steelers

“The Steelers might not be a title contender with Ben Roethlisberger sidelined, but that doesn’t mean they’ll be a punching bag in the AFC. Pittsburgh made that clear in a dominant showing against the Bengals on Monday night. Mason Rudolph didn’t light up defenses like Big Ben, but he made good decisions on a 24-for-28 day. James Conner (125 total yards, TD) snapped out of an early-season funk and the Steelers’ defense beat up on Andy Dalton, who was sacked eight times and averaged just 4.6 yards per attempt in an A.J. Green-less world. Write off Pittsburgh if you wish, but Mike Tomlin’s team is just one game out of first place in the AFC North with 12 games to play. The Steelers are alive and well.”


CBS Sports

1. New England Patriots
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. San Francisco 49ers
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Dallas Cowboys
6. Seattle Seahawks
7. Los Angeles Rams
8. Green Bay Packers
9. Buffalo Bills
10. Chicago Bears
...
25. Pittsburgh Steelers

“They got creative on offense to get their first victory against the Bengals. Surprisingly, they are just a game out of first place.”


Sporting News

1. New England Patriots
2. Kansas City Chiefs
3. New Orleans Saints
4. Dallas Cowboys
5. Green Bay Packers
6. Los Angeles Rams
7. San Francisco 49ers
8. Philadelphia Eagles
9. Chicago Bears
10. Seattle Seahawks
...
26. Pittsburgh Steelers

“With the Browns now playing well and the Ravens still formidable offensively, the Steelers are pretty much toast in the AFC North if they don’t come through with a win Monday night.”