Pittsburgh Steelers

Last year’s runners-up are hungry to avenge what was only their second loss in the big game. They are 6-2 all time in Superbowls with the most wins and appearances (tied with Dallas on 8) to date. Their team is superbly well coached by Mike Tomlin, who inherited a ready-made contender from long-time coach Bill Cowher when he retired a year after finally winning the title his tenure deserved in Superbowl XL.

The Steelers draft well and are a tight-knit bunch, who always get ready for the season regardless of any off-season issues that have plagued some of their top players.

Despite their undeniable pedigree, the Steelers often float under the radar until the end of the season. I think this has something to do with their ever-presence. It’s almost a given they will get to the playoffs somehow, but focus tends to rest with their division rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, who have been for the past few seasons, the team in waiting. Their ascension has made duking it out for the top of the AFC North a tight and absorbing affair year after year.

The Steelers find themselves in a conference that is much changed since last season. The Colts will not win the AFC South and are unlikely to feature in the playoffs for the first time in what seems like eternity, and the Chiefs, winners of the AFC West, last year will also fade under pressure from a resurgent San Diego and an optimistic Oakland.

I believe the Wild Cards in the AFC are easier to secure than in the NFC and for that reason I think the Steelers will ensure their late-season presence at a jog, be they in fifth or sixth position or runaway division champs.

Verdict: 11-5 and tied with the Ravens, who I think will take the division on the basis of head-to-head encounters. The Steelers will be playing in January, though, and they will be dangerous. Look for them to fall at the divisional round of the playoffs to either the Patriots or Texans.


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