No. 4 – Pittsburgh Steelers
Unlike their AFC North counterparts (the Cincinnati Bengals), the Pittsburgh Steelers have proven they can win in the playoffs. This year they’re going to have to prove they can do it on the road.
As the No. 6 seed, they’ll open with a trip to those very same Bengals, whom they beat in the jungle just one month ago. A win there would lead to a Divisional round game against the Broncos in Denver and it would be anyone’s guess from there. Pittsburgh stumbled in Week 16 against the Ravens, but has won five of their last six, including wins over both Cincinnati and Denver.
The Steelers’ defense has been above-average, but not outstanding, this year, ranking 11th in points allowed. Where Pittsburgh has done its damage is through the air. They boast the AFC’s top passing attack, despite quarterback Ben Roethlisberger starting only 11 games. They rank third in the entire NFL in passing and scoring.
The biggest question mark for their Wild Card matchup with Cincinnati will be whether or not that high-powered passing attack will be the same without the threat of DeAngelo Williams on the ground. Williams, who surprised this year in place of the injured Le’Veon Bell is doubtful for the game because of an ankle sprain. With a healthy Williams, the Steelers might have been ranked as high as second on this list.
