Steelers Power Rankings Roundup: Where Pittsburgh Landed After Week 6
Pittsburgh improved to 4-2 with an overtime win over Tampa Bay, but not every outlet was sold. Here's where six major publications ranked the Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming off a comeback win, but their latest NFL power rankings show there is still work to do.
Pittsburgh rallied from a 13-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26-19 in overtime, improving to 4-2 on the season. Rookie wide receiver Germie Bernard delivered a breakout performance, while Jaylen Warren continued to establish himself as the Steelers' lead running back.
The win helped Pittsburgh move up in several rankings, though some outlets remain concerned about the team's offensive consistency heading into Week 7.
Pittsburgh moved up three spots in ESPN's NFL power rankings , going from No. 20 to No. 17.
The outlet pointed to third-down efficiency as the Steelers' biggest offensive issue. Pittsburgh has converted just 33% of its third-down attempts this season, ranking among the five worst teams in the NFL.
Pittsburgh stayed at No. 16 in The Athletic's power rankings , with the focus on the changing picture in the Steelers' backfield.
Jaylen Warren has emerged as Pittsburgh's top running back, pushing Rico Dowdle down the fantasy rankings. Dowdle was drafted 73rd on average but sits at No. 215 in fantasy scoring, while Warren ranks 42nd overall and leads all Steelers.
Pittsburgh made a four-spot jump in The Sporting News' power rankings , rising from No. 14 to No. 10.
The Steelers' passing game received attention despite Rodgers taking five sacks against Tampa Bay. He threw multiple touchdown passes for the fourth consecutive game, continuing a productive stretch for Pittsburgh's offense.
Bleacher Report dropped Pittsburgh one spot, from No. 14 to No. 15, despite its overtime win.
The outlet highlighted Bernard's performance against Tampa Bay. He finished with 11 catches for 83 yards and a touchdown after entering the game with only 13 receptions on the season.
Pittsburgh's ability to work through adversity also factored into the assessment. The Steelers have won three of their last four games, and Bleacher Report pointed to the team's experience as an advantage as it continues to find its footing.
Pittsburgh slipped from a three-way tie at No. 12 to stand-alone No. 13 in Pro Football Talk's rankings .
The outlet offered a brief, cryptic assessment of the Steelers, writing, "Time to get Le Torchon Terrible ready." The ranking placed Pittsburgh in the upper half of the league despite the slight drop.
USA Today moved the Steelers down one spot, from No. 17 to No. 18.
Bernard was again the focus. Through his first two starts, the rookie has recorded 17 receptions and now has 24 catches on the season, the second-most among all rookies.
His performance against Tampa Bay gave Pittsburgh another encouraging development on offense, particularly as the Steelers look for more consistency in the passing game.
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