FOX Sports analyst Ralph Vacchiano has placed the Pittsburgh Steelers below the Cincinnati Bengals and Baltimore Ravens in his AFC North rankings for the 2026 season.
The Steelers enter the year as defending division champions but received low marks due to their performance last season. Vacchiano noted that the team finished with the NFL's 25th-ranked offense and 26th-ranked defense despite a 10-7 record. Offseason additions include running back Rico Dowdle and wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. The team also hired Mike McCarthy as head coach and Patrick Graham as defensive coordinator while relying on 42-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Bengals and Ravens strengthened their rosters this offseason, which contributed to the Steelers' lower standing. ESPN's Football Power Index previously assigned the Steelers low odds for the playoffs and Super Bowl.