NFL Power Rankings: Patriots climb entering Week 16

Previous: . pittsburgh steelers. 8. team. 55. <p>The Pittsburgh Steelers are a team that nobody wants to face in the AFC playoffs. Pittsburgh had been on the outside of the postseason picture looking in for weeks, and then vaulted the New York Jets via a tiebreaker after their win over the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field.</p> <p>The Steelers fell behind Denver 27-10 in the second quarter but then came roaring back behind the golden right arm of Ben Roethlisberger, who threw for three touchdowns, albeit along with two interceptions. The defense, which has been bad throughout much of the season, finally rose up and shut the Broncos out throughout the second half of the contest.</p> <p>Pittsburgh should be able to win out from here. It goes on the road for the final two games, but takes on the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. There is no reason for the Steelers to lose to either of those teams, which are both out of the playoff race and playing backup quarterbacks.</p> <p>Should the Steelers get into the postseason, they will likely be facing either the Cincinnati Bengals or Houston Texans, depending on whether the Kansas City Chiefs or Denver Broncos win the AFC West. Let the games begin.</p>. (9-5)