5 potential sleepers in the NFL playoffs
By Ian O'Brien
3. Pittsburgh Steelers
Like the Jets, the Steelers are in danger of missing the playoffs. However, the Steelers may be an even more dangerous threat to knock off the Patriots if they are able to snag a playoff berth. However, a loss to the Baltimore Ravens put their playoff chances in serious jeopardy. They now have to pray that the Jets will lose to the Bills since the Jets would clinch with 11 wins. Nonetheless, the Steelers have one of the best offenses in the NFL.
Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has played phenomenally for the Steelers when healthy. A season-ending injury to running back Le’Veon Bell has not affected him at all since DeAngelo Williams has filled in excellently. Williams has rushed for 899 yards and 11 touchdowns. Wide receiver Antonio Brown has also continued to be an elite weapon whenever Roethlisberger is healthy. He ranks second in the NFL in catches and yards. Brown has come up with 123 receptions for 1,647 yards while adding nine touchdown catches. The Steelers defense still has plenty of questions, but the offense will always keep them in games. A rematch against the Patriots would certainly motivate them to avenge their Week 1 loss too.
The Steelers will need to make the playoffs first, though, and outside games will help decide their fate.
Next: 2. Kansas City Chiefs