The best-run organization in professional sports is back at the top. After a "down year" in 2009, when they finished 9-7 and missed the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers are once again legitimate Super Bowl contenders. It won't be an easy ride, as they still play in the toughest (note the word "toughest," and not necessarily "best") division in football. They've already beaten two quality opponents, and the healthy returns of Aaron Smith and Troy Polamalu have helped the Steelers regain their status as one of the two or three best defenses in the league. There will be bumps along the way, particularly when a sure-to-be-rusty Ben Roethlisberger returns to the lineup, but this Steelers team has everything it needs to secure its second championship in three years.
NFL Predictions For The Unbeaten Teams: Pittsburgh Steelers
Tough Stretch: Weeks 7 through 9, with three straight road trips to Miami, New Orleans and Cincinnati.
Gimme Wins: Week 6 vs. CLE, Week 11 vs. OAK, Week 12 at BUF, Week 16 vs. CAR
Achilles Heel: Getting Roethlisberger up to speed quickly enough to get through the AFC North, while simultaneously ensuring that his return to the lineup doesn’t ruffle too many feathers.
Prediction: All three AFC North contenders have flaws, but Pittsburgh’s armor looks to be in the best shape. They look like the favorites to win the division, and they should be playing well into January.
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