AFC Power Rankings Week 17: Steelers fall, Pats stay at No. 1
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
AFC North. 9-6. Pittsburgh Steelers. 7. player. 55. <p>Never, never discount the underdog in a divisional rivalry. Despite being the better team for the entirety of the regular season, the Steelers were schooled by the Ravens in Week 16. Ben Roethlisberger looked like an aging quarterback, tossing a pair of interceptions (no touchdowns) and managing to hit superstar wideout Antonio Brown for just 61 yards.</p> <p>Even more disappointing was the effort of the defense, a unit which allowed Ryan Mallet to beat them. Slot cornerback Brandon Boykin was the only Steeler who managed to drag Mallet down for a sack, indicating how poorly the Steelers pass rush played in Week 16.</p><div class=
As it stands right now, the Steelers are the odd ones out in the AFC playoff picture with the Jets and Chiefs entrenched as the Wild Card teams. All the Steelers can do is focus on getting a win on the road in Cleveland in Week 17 and hope that someone (like the Broncos) falter like they did on Sunday.
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7
Pittsburgh Steelers
AFC North, 9-6
Never, never discount the underdog in a divisional rivalry. Despite being the better team for the entirety of the regular season, the Steelers were schooled by the Ravens in Week 16. Ben Roethlisberger looked like an aging quarterback, tossing a pair of interceptions (no touchdowns) and managing to hit superstar wideout Antonio Brown for just 61 yards.
Even more disappointing was the effort of the defense, a unit which allowed Ryan Mallet to beat them. Slot cornerback Brandon Boykin was the only Steeler who managed to drag Mallet down for a sack, indicating how poorly the Steelers pass rush played in Week 16.
As it stands right now, the Steelers are the odd ones out in the AFC playoff picture with the Jets and Chiefs entrenched as the Wild Card teams. All the Steelers can do is focus on getting a win on the road in Cleveland in Week 17 and hope that someone (like the Broncos) falter like they did on Sunday.
Next: 6. Houston Texans