The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the final week of the NFL season with a 9-7 record, striving to secure a playoff spot. Their victory against the Seattle Seahawks has elevated their chances, but their position in the NFL power rankings across various platforms remains a subject of interest.
In the world of power rankings, CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco positioned the Steelers at No. 13, marking a two-spot rise from the previous week’s ranking. Prisco acknowledged Mike Tomlin’s remarkable coaching tenure, having now accumulated 17 consecutive seasons without a losing record. Tomlin’s potential to guide the team into the playoffs adds another dimension to this achievement.
The Athletic’s Josh Kendall placed the Steelers at No. 14, climbing one spot higher than the prior week’s ranking. Kendall highlighted Tomlin’s guaranteed 17th straight season with a .500 or better record, placing him in an elite league alongside coaching legends Tom Landry and Bill Belichick. However, the commentary also pointed out the Steelers’ recent playoff absence in the last two seasons and their current ninth place in the AFC standings, despite their recent victory, wherein George Pickens showcased a stellar performance with 131 receiving yards.
Bleacher Report positioned the Steelers at No. 16, marking a two-spot elevation from the previous week. The assessment underscored the Steelers’ dependency on external factors to clinch a playoff berth. For them to secure a spot, they need to win against the Baltimore Ravens, and they also require either the Buffalo Bills or Jacksonville Jaguars to suffer defeats.
However, the looming possibility of missing the playoffs for the second consecutive year raises concerns. The Steelers’ playoff victory drought since 2016, coupled with a solitary season recording double-digit victories since 2018, highlights a period of inconsistent performance. Despite Tomlin’s ability to steer clear of losing seasons, the team’s inability to register consistent wins is apparent.
In essence, while Tomlin’s leadership has ensured that the Steelers avoid significant losing seasons, their recent track record doesn’t paint a picture of consistent success either. The team’s dependency on external outcomes to secure a playoff berth emphasizes the precariousness of their postseason aspirations, with their last playoff win dating back to 2016, reflecting a prolonged postseason struggle.
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