They barely snuck into the playoffs, but the Pittsburgh Steelers might be the most dangerous team in the league right now. Their offense is star-studded and that among other factors has them primed for a Super Bowl run. Here are five reasons why they will win it all.
5. Championship Window Is Closing
Getty ImagesBen Roethlisberger and most of the core of this team isn't getting any younger which is going to make them desperate. They know they may not have too many more runs in them, so that will motivate them to make a strong push this year. Of course, that can only take you so far, but they have the talent to support that motivation.
4. Don't Have To Play Patriots In Divisional Round
Getty Images
Since the Patriots surprisingly lost to the Dolphins in Week 17, they no longer have the top seed in the AFC, meaning that if the No. 6 seed Steelers win, they will face the Broncos. While Denver has a great defense, they can't possibly keep up with Pittsburgh. With favorable matchups in their first two games, the Steelers will just have to overachieve in one game to reach the Super Bowl.
3. They Have Plenty of Momentum
Jason Bridge-USA Today SportsGoing into Week 17, it looked like the Steelers were going to miss the playoffs altogether. After winning and seeing the Jets lose to the Bills, they were able to sneak in. Knowing how close they were to being left out of the playoffs but still reaching the postseason will give them plenty of momentum. Expect them to ride that for the next month.
2. Ben Roethlisberger Has Championship Pedigree
Troy Wayrynen-USA Today SportsThe signal-caller for the Steelers has already played in three Super Bowls and won two of them. He knows what it takes to get it done when everything is on the line. When healthy this season, he has been as good as ever, so watch for him to light up the scoreboard this January. The way the offense is rolling, he's likely to be playing in February as well.
1. Most High-Powered Offense In the Playoffs
Ken Blaze-USA Today SportsThe Steelers have the most well-oiled machine in the league offensively. Even if DeAngelo Williams is unable to go with a sprained ankle, this team can still win in the Wild Card playoff round. As long as he can play starting in the Divisional round, Pittsburgh has a balanced attack that will keep opposing defenses on their toes. That makes them a very scary team.
