Sporting News: Steelers the Top Team in the NFL

Vinnie Iyer over at Sporting News has just released his latest Power Rankings, and he has the Steelers as his top team in the league. Many so called “experts” have suddenly jumped on the Black and Gold bandwagon, and that bandwagon will only grow with a win Sunday vs the Titans. Here is Iyer’s top five in his power rankings:

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (LW: 3). They’re still having big problems with their offensive line, and it shows in high sacks and low rushing outputs. But with their defense being so dominant against the run and pass, they don’t need to score much to win. Ben Roethlisberger has taken a licking, but he keeps on ticking to execute key plays in the fourth quarter.

2. Carolina Panthers (LW: 4). The Panthers’ only real weaknesses are the habit of starting slow and having a few defensive lapses. Otherwise, a power running game and a stout front seven are two good ingredients for the playoffs. Steve Smith gives them a special talent who can change games in a blink.

3. New York Giants (LW: 2). Two things have been clear during their two-game slide: The Giants are giving up too many big plays and not making enough of their own. They need to stay aggressive on defense without overpursuing. They also need someone to pick up the slack for Plaxico Burress downfield, the same way they managed without Jeremy Shockey on short-to-intermediate routes last postseason.

4. Indianapolis Colts (LW: 5). They tend to play either down or up to their opponents and have lacked their typical, consistent offensive proficiency, but they have excelled in finding ways to win games—now seven straight and counting. With the Colts having great experience and leadership under Peyton Manning and Tony Dungy, it makes them dangerous in January.

5. Tennessee Titans (LW: 1). The Titans have had a great run, but their potentially fatal flaws are showing up in the past month. Kerry Collins has struggled against better defenses. The injuries to Kyle Vanden Bosch and Albert Haynesworth hamper the defense. Their top-seed lead is precarious with Pittsburgh coming into town.