Power Rankings: The Steelers keep winning, and keep falling in the weekly rankings

Things that make you go, “Hmmmm”

No, I’m not starting this NFL Power Rankings article with song lyrics, but just how I feel when looking at the latest rankings, with Week 13 is now officially in the rear view mirror.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 10-2, atop the AFC North and AFC conference, and have done nothing but win, yet their “style points” aren’t good enough compared to their peers. I realize these rankings are meaningless, but at the same time fans want to see their favorite team get the respect, and recognition, they deserve.

The Steelers don’t care. They will take ugly wins all the way to the playoffs, and hopefully beyond. If Pittsburgh guts out another “ugly” win in Week 14 to clinch their second-straight AFC North title, and finds a way to win “ugly” against New England in Week 15, I doubt many would care.

Nonetheless, these rankings are totally worthless, except for stirring up some debate and conversation. Check out the latest rankings below, and feel free to discuss and debate in the comment section below.

ESPN

1. New England Patriots
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Los Angeles Rams
5. Pittsburgh Steelers
“Similar to his brother, T.J. Watt has proved capable of taking down the quarterback and knocking down passes. Watt is one of three players in the NFL this season with at least five sacks and five pass breakups. Veterans Cameron Jordan and David Irving are the other two.”
6. Seattle Seahawks
7. New Orleans Saints
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Atlanta Falcons

NFL.com

1. New England Patriots
2. Philadelphia Eagles
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Pittsburgh Steelers
“The Steelers hold their place in the cleanup spot after a gutty, gritty and -- unfortunately -- violent win in Cincinnati. Ryan Shazier's health is of primary concern to the whole organization, from both the human and football standpoints. He's become the heartbeat of Pittsburgh's defense, much like Troy Polamalu did in the mid-2000s. My colleague, Aditi Kinkhabwala, put it best last night. I have indeed thrown some prayers Shazier's way. And right before publishing, Ian Rapoport reported that the linebacker "has some movement in his lower extremities" -- which is encouraging news -- "but the next 24-48 hours are key for increased improvement." Pittsburgh has another physical matchup with the rival Ravens this Sunday, although those teams have always gone at each other hard and with respect. The rivalry with the Bengals is another story. JuJu Smith-Schuster? I don't know, man. Not your style.”
5. Los Angeles Rams
6. New Orleans Saints
7. Jacksonville Jaguars
8. Seattle Seahawks
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Los Angeles Chargers

Sporting News

1. New England Patriots
2. Pittsburgh Steelers
“They'll need Le'Veon Bell and Antonio Brown to keep the offense humming along with the mounting concerns on defense.”
3. Minnesota Vikings
4. Philadelphia Eagles
5. Los Angeles Rams
6. New Orleans Saints
7. Seattle Seahawks
8. Jacksonville Jaguars
9. Carolina Panthers
10. Tennessee Titans