New England Patriots: Ranking Possible AFC Playoff Opponents

1.) Pittsburgh Steelers

Arguably the toughest team that the Patriots might have to face in the AFC is the Pittsburgh Steelers. Like the Patriots, the Steelers have an elite quarterback in Ben Roethlisberger. As shown against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas, Roethlisberger is capable of leading a team on a game-winning drive, and also capable of putting up a lot of points.

In addition to Roethlisberger, the Steelers also have one of the best wide receivers and running backs in the entire NFL. Antonio Brown is having another amazing season for the Steelers, and he was able to score the game-winning touchdown to win the AFC North. While Brown is great, Le’Veon Bell is arguably even better.

There are few players in the NFL that are capable of dominating a game like Bell can. As both a runner and a receiver, Bell can hurt a defense in multiple ways. Behind a much-improved offensive line, the Steelers are able to control a game on the ground with Bell. With the ability to score 30 points on any team in the NFL, the Steelers can’t be taken lightly with their elite weapons on the offensive side of the ball. Even though the defense is suspect, they do a good job bending but not breaking.