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The Pittsburgh Steelers have been considered a Top 10 team for the majority of the NFL preseason, and throughout the first 5 weeks of the regular season. That certainly isn't about to change after their Week 6 win over the Arizona Cardinals at Heinz Field, but just how high will the Steelers climb in the latest Power Rankings? How about all the way up to sitting shotgun behind the undefeated teams.
In the latest SB Nation Power Rankings, the Steelers (4-2) have moved up to the 6th spot, after being ranked 8th the previous week. The Steelers' 6th place ranking is the best ranking in the league for any team which isn't currently undefeated.
Take a look at the Top 10:
1. New England Patriots
2. Cincinnati Bengals
3. Green Bay Packers
4. Carolina Panthers
5. Denver Broncos
6. Pittsburgh Steelers
7. New York Jets
8. Atlanta Falcons
9. Arizona Cardinals
10. Minnesota Vikings
The Steelers made a strong statement Sunday in their victory over Arizona, not just for a defense which stymied a high-flying offense, but for a resilient team showing the ability to overcome adversity.
Pittsburgh's defense made a statement by holding the high-flying Cardinals to just 13 points and it picked off Carson Palmer twice. Making matters worse, the Cardinals' defense couldn't hold when it needed to and gave up a long 88-yard touchdown play to Martavis Bryant with 2:12 left to seal the loss.
Pittsburgh is flying high after their most recent victory, but will have to take their show on the road against the 1-5 Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium in Week 7.
As for the rest of the AFC North, the Bengals (6-0) are tops in the division, and in the rankings, at No. 2, the Cleveland Browns are staying relevant at 2-4 and are ranked 17th after taking the undefeated Broncos to overtime, and the Baltimore Ravens are bringing up the rear at 1-5 and ranked 29th out of 32. Quite the fall from grace for the Ravens.
The Steelers not only look to continue to win, but to legitimize themselves as contenders in this league. When Ben Roethlisberger and Ryan Shazier return from injury, there is no doubt they have every possible weapon and opportunity to do just that for the remainder of the season.