NFL Power Rankings: Steelers head into the offseason in the middle of the pack

The 2019-2020 NFL season is less than 24 hours old, but don’t tell that to the powers that be at ESPN. To them, the page has officially been turned to the 2020-2021 season as they launch their first NFL Power Rankings of the new season.

Technically, the new league year doesn’t begin till March, but I would assume there is no time better than the present to go over what teams might look like next season, and who would be atop the rankings.

Of course, the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs are at the top, with the Super Bowl runner-up San Francisco 49ers right behind them. But where the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the rest of the AFC North, fall is always a hot button topic.

Take a look at ESPN’s latest Power Rankings, and remember these mean absolutely nothing. But if these rankings are good for anything it is to drum up discussion about the teams who could bounce back from a mediocre 2019, or who could fall off their lofty perch. Either way, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below, and be sure to stay tuned to BTSC for the latest news and notes surrounding the black-and-gold this offseason.

ESPN

1. Kansas City Chiefs
2. San Francisco 49ers
3. Baltimore Ravens
4. New Orleans Saints
5. Green Bay Packers
6. Seattle Seahawks
7. New England Patriots
8. Tennessee Titans
9. Minnesota Vikings
10. Houston Texans
...
15. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Reason for optimism: Ben Roethlisberger. There’s still a way to go to find out if the franchise quarterback is hitting all the marks in his recovery from this past season’s elbow surgery, but Roethlisberger’s return answers a lot of questions for an offense that struggled with two backups in 2019. Every part of the offense needed Roethlisberger — from the running backs who faced a loaded box to the wide receivers who could’ve benefited from a consistent arm — and if his rehab goes as scheduled, he’ll be ready to resume his role for the 2020 season. — Brooke Pryor”