It’s Tuesday October 29th, the Steelers are 6-2, leading the AFC North.
The now 5-3 Ravens lost to the 2-6 Browns Sunday, setting the Steelers up perfectly for this pole position with their win over the New York Giants.
With the Steelers schedule this should be a sure shot for them to win the division this year, if they can keep up this momentum.
The next five games are crucial for the Steelers and I am a bit worried if I am being honest. With the Steelers bye week coming up, their next game is Sunday November 10th against a Washington Commanders team that looks stellar. They may have just pulled off a miracle to get the win against the Chicago Bears, but the Commanders are finding ways to win.
However, that’s not my concern, my worry lies in the fact that after the Steelers finish up in Washington, they will play the Ravens, Browns, Bengals, then browns again.
On one hand, if the Steelers can maintain this recent offensive success, this could all but assure them ending their season as kings of the North. On the other hand, if the defense continues to see holes in the run game, and if there is any falter on offense, this could spell disaster.
I am going to remain optimistic and ride the success of Russell Wilson. The doubt hasn’t set in yet, but the way this team struggled in the red zone against the Giants, and allowed them to remain in the game until the final drive, there is cause for some concern.
The Steelers will hopefully use this bye week to address the struggles on defense, as well as bolster the offense with some help at wide receiver. These pieces need to fall into place in the next two weeks though, if the Steelers expect to remain on top.
Next week the Ravens play the Broncos who may have not been seen as a threat until last week. Bo Nix is starting to look like a true freshman phenom, and if he can continue with his success the Ravens may still be a game back when the Steelers come off their bye week.
After the Ravens host the Broncos they host the struggling Bengals. Depending on how the next two weeks go, the Steelers could be playing for the top divisional spot against the Ravens. That to me is looking to be the best case scenario, worst case is they are down a game to the Ravens when they meet up on November 17th.
This could all come down to the Steelers final matchup against the Ravens on December 21st, but I am getting way ahead of myself.
If the wrath of Omar Khan can strike again like it did during the off season, the Steelers could be in great shape with an addition at wide receiver. They look better than they have in the past few years, but I still have doubts that need addressed before I feel confident that this team can make a playoff run this year.
