NFL Power Rankings: Pittsburgh Steelers considered a Top-5 team after Week 16

The Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, eliminating them from playoff contention and, in doing so, they won their sixth game in a row, clinched the AFC North and the No. 3 spot in the AFC Playoffs. Their 10-5 record heading into the meaningless Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns at Heinz Field is just a blip on the radar as the team prepares for their third-straight trip to the playoffs.

How do the Steelers rank among their NFL peers? Time to take a look at the NFL Power Rankings and where the Black and Gold rank after Week 16. As I always say, I realize Power Rankings are meaningless. I realize there’s no Power Ranking Super Bowl, but I also realize this can create some fun discussion. Who’s ranked too high, who’s ranked too low and are you happy with where the Steelers are ranked?

Time to get to the Power Rankings...

ESPN

1. Dallas Cowboys
2. New England Patriots
3. Kansas City Chiefs
4. Oakland Raiders
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
“During the Steelers' six-game winning streak, Le'Veon Bell has averaged 181.8 scrimmage yards per game and scored seven touchdowns. He has averaged 5.2 yards per rush in that stretch as well. So in other words: Bell is good. He'll try to add to those numbers against the Browns in Week 17.”
6. Seattle Seahawks
7. Atlanta Falcons
8. Green Bay Packers
9. New York Giants
10. Detroit Lions

SB Nation

1. New England Patriots
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
6. Oakland Raiders
7. New York Giants
8. Seattle Seahawks
9. Green Bay Packers
10. Miami Dolphins

FOX Sports

1. New England Patriots
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Atlanta Falcons
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
“The Steelers barely topped the Ravens for the AFC North title, but a win’s a win. They’re now locked into the No. 3 seed so Week 17 is meaningless for them. Considering the conference’s quarterback situation, the Steelers are among the favorites to reach the Super Bowl.”
5. Kansas City Chiefs
6. Oakland Raiders
7. Green Bay Packers
8. Seattle Seahawks
9. New York Giants
10. Miami Dolphins

NFL.com

1. New England Patriots
2. Dallas Cowboys
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Watching Le'Veon Bell run is like hearing live albums of Bob Seger, Springsteen or even Guns N' Roses. The set list is often different, the rhythm slightly off from the studio album, and maybe Sebastian Bach shows up for a carry -- er, to carry a tune for Axl. Yet, at the end of the day, you know "Welcome to the Jungle" is coming, brother. Bell's stutter-step, explode-then-slow-down-then-accelerate-again is as frustrating for defenders to stop as it is exhilarating for us to watch. While other Steelers made the occasional play, Bell steadily put up 137 yards from scrimmage, inching him ever closer to 2,000 ... despite missing the first three games of the season. He needs just 116 yards to hit that mark. With apologies to a couple of NFC guys, Bell might be the best running back in football. The best wide receiver in football was getting wrapped up with seconds to go at Heinz Field on Sunday, his outstretched arm clinching the AFC North title.”
4. Kansas City Chiefs
5. Atlanta Falcons
6. Green Bay Packers
7. Oakland Raiders
8. Seattle Seahawks
9. New York Giants
10. Miami Dolphins