Saturday, November 20, 2021

Pittsburgh Steelers Week 11 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2021 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Pittsburgh Steelers rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 14.8 (13th)
  • Best ranking: 13 (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 18 (NFL.com)

Below you will find a Week 11 roundup for the Steelers in our consensus 2021 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 15

Most important remaining games: Dec. 5 vs. Ravens and Jan. 9 at Ravens

The AFC North is wide open, and despite tying the winless Lions, the Steelers are No. 2 in the division -- trailing just the Ravens. Technically, every remaining division game is important, but the Steelers still have to play the Ravens twice -- including a Week 18 matchup in Baltimore. In the paper boat race, it's likely that the division winner and some additional playoff berths will be decided in the final weekend of the season. -- Brooke Pryor

NFL.com -- Rank: 18

The Steelers played down to the level of their opponent on Sunday, and it cost them what should have been an easy win at Heinz Field. With Ben Roethlisberger at home following a positive COVID-19 test, Mason Rudolph and the rest of the Steelers bumbled their way to a 16-16 tie against the winless Lions. Rookie tight end Pat Freiermuth fumbled near the Detroit sideline with eight seconds left, denying Pittsburgh the chance at a potential game-winning (and face-saving) field goal. Big Ben's availability for this week is in doubt, and it was revealed Monday that star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has also landed on the COVID-19 list. The Steelers are being challenged right now.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 13

Playing without Ben Roethlisberger was tough against the Lions. But what happened to the defense? The tie should never have happened.

USA Today -- Rank: 13

Despite rampant speculation this season will be QB Ben Roethlisberger's last, Pittsburgh's inability to beat Detroit without him could be a window into what awaits in the near term.

The Athletic -- Rank: 15

Steal a player: Joe Thuney, Chiefs guard

We know what the Steelers want to be offensively and, honestly, what they need to be, and that's a running team that can dominate at the line of scrimmage. Adding guard Trai Turner in the offseason has helped, but we have to imagine that if Mike Tomlin were scouring the offensive line rosters of his rivals right now, Thuney would be high on the wish list. He's a good pass protector (no sacks allowed, and only 11 pressures, per TruMedia) but it would be fun to see him blocking for a team that emphasizes the run like Pittsburgh does.

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