Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 20: Ben Roethlisberger
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 20: Ben Roethlisberger /

8. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers enter 2016 with high hopes. Pittsburgh won another playoff game last season and took the Denver Broncos to the limit in the AFC Divisional round, despite being without Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell.

To start this campaign, Pittsburgh will continue to be undermanned. Bell is suspended three games for failing to take mandatory drug tests throughout the offseason, while wide receiver Martavis Bryant is banned for the year due to a violation of the substance abuse policy.

With all that working against them, the Steelers remain a favorite due to Ben Roethlisberger and head coach Mike Tomlin. Roehtlisberger only played in 12 games last season and needs to stay healthy this time around, but if he does, he will be a threat to win the passing title. Brown remains the top receiver in football, hauling in 136 passes last year for 1,834 yards, leading the league in both categories.

Pittsburgh simply has to be competent on defense. The Steelers ranked 30th against the pass in 2015 and 21st overall, both problems that need to improve. General manager Kevin Colbert drafted corners Artie Burns and Sean Davis with his first two picks, hoping to rectify what has been a problem for years.

Look for plenty of high-scoring affairs in the Steel City, something of a comfortable place for this team.

Record prediction: 10-6

Next: No. 7 Cincinnati Bengals