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NFL playoffs: How your team can make it

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) runs after a catch against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Pittsburgh Steelers. 1. player. 55. . AFC. North

The Pittsburgh Steelers are always in contention, and that doesn’t have any reason to change in 2015. While the defense is suspect in certain spots to say the least, the offense is going to be one of the best in football. For years, the offensive line was a constant problem, but that appears to be a distant memory with the right side of Marcus Gilbert, David DeCastro and Maurkice Pouncey.

Behind them is one of the most talented backfields in the game today. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and running back Le’Veon Bell are both supremely talented and in the primes of their careers. Roethlisberger actually tied with Drew Brees last year for the league lead in passing yards with 4,952, along with 32 touchdowns. Roethlisberger, 33, is seemingly getting better with age.

Bell has proven to be one of the best all-around backs in the NFL along with Adrian Peterson, LeSean McCoy and Jamaal Charles. Bell not only rushed for 1,361 yards but caught 83 passes for 854 additional yards. Bell is the ultimate weapon out of the backfield, reminding many of Marshall Faulk. The tandem of Roethlisberger and Bell is enough to keep the mind of a defensive coordinator frayed, but he has one other massive weapon to worry about.

Antonio Brown led all receivers last year with 129 catches and 1,698 yards, along with 13 touchdowns. Brown belongs in the conversation with Calvin Johnson, A.J. Green and Dez Bryant as the best pass-catcher in the game, showcasing both speed and excellent hands.

With Bell, Roethlisberger and Brown coached by Mike Tomlin, the Steelers will be in the hunt for another division title.

Next: Cincinnati Bengals

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