NFL Power Rankings heading into Week 15

9. team. 55. <p>Sunday was a prime example of what makes the Pittsburgh Steelers so great as a franchise. Backed against the wall, they faced a Bengals team, on the road, that possessed the ability to clinch the AFC North. All it would take was Cincinnati defeating the division’s historic alpha in the friendly confines of Paul Brown Stadium.</p> <p>Well, the Steelers didn’t come and roll over. They came out of the gate and punched Cincinnati right in the mouth with an 11-play opening drive that resulted in a touchdown. From there it was downhill for the Bengals. Andy Dalton got injured and the Steelers proceeded to rough up backup AJ McCarron. By game’s end, the Steelers were victorious and still sitting on a lifeline to maybe claim the division – something not even thought of when Ben Roethlisberger went down at separate times this season.</p> <p>What the Steelers need to to right now is tighten up the defense. Earlier in the year, while the offense was working to get its footing and battle through injuries, the team leaned on its defense. Now the offense is humming, but the D has looked a little more vulnerable. As the team marches toward a presumptive playoff bid the big key for success will be balancing out both sides before the postseason.</p> <p> </p>. (8-5). Previous: . pittsburgh steelers