The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for another intense season in the AFC North, a division known for its fierce competition. After narrowly clinching the division title last year, the Steelers are eyeing back-to-back championships for the first time in almost ten years. But with the likes of the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals in the mix, that's no small feat.
The Ravens have bolstered their defense with the addition of Trey Hendrickson, making them a formidable opponent. Meanwhile, the Bengals remain a constant threat with Joe Burrow leading their offense.
The Steelers, however, aren't sitting idle. They've made significant moves this offseason, bringing in talents like Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean, and Rico Dowdle.
Yet, the quarterback situation is still up in the air, as Aaron Rodgers' future with the team remains uncertain.
Despite this uncertainty, former NFL defender Manti Te’o has thrown his support behind the Steelers, predicting they'll top the division. On a recent episode of “Good Morning Football,” Te’o placed Pittsburgh at the summit of his early AFC North power rankings.
Te’o commented on the potential impact of Aaron Rodgers' return, highlighting the synergy between Rodgers and head coach Mike McCarthy. He suggested that with the right offensive weapons, the Steelers could revitalize the kind of offense Rodgers thrived in previously.
Following the Steelers in Te’o’s rankings are the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns, mirroring last season's final standings. However, the sportsbooks tell a different story.
FanDuel Sportsbook currently favors Baltimore to take the division, with Cincinnati close behind. The Steelers are pegged third, with the Browns rounding out the list.
With plenty of offseason maneuvering still to come and the regular season months away, the landscape could shift dramatically. But for now, the Steelers are focused on building a team capable of defending their title and making a deeper playoff run.