Steelers a title threat? Niners’ window closing? Michael Penix Jr. time for Falcons?

With Russell Wilson igniting the offense, do the Steelers now have the complementary game to compete for the title this season?

There is no doubt that the Pittsburgh Steelers have to be taken seriously as a contender if Russell Wilson plays well. Everything else a team needs to compete for a championship are things the Steelers do well. They play excellent defense (No. 6 in the NFL). They stop the run (giving up only 90.5 yards per game). They run the ball well (133.1 yards per game). And while they don’t have a dominant pass rush, they do have a dominant pass rusher in T.J. Watt (9½ sacks).

Add in the fact that Mike Tomlin might be the best coach in the NFL and really, quarterback play was probably the missing piece to their championship puzzle. If their offense, and their passing game in particular, really is ignited by Wilson, then they are one of the most well-rounded teams in the league.

It’s not going to be easy in the AFC. Wilson will need to play at an elite level to run a gauntlet that could include games against the Ravens (Lamar Jackson), Bills (Josh Allen), and/or the Chiefs (Patrick Mahomes). But if Wilson plays like the Wilson of old, you can’t count the Steelers out. — Ralph Vacchiano

If Wilson can continue to balance playing clean football with making explosive plays in the passing game, the Steelers have a chance to make a deep postseason run. But it’s more about Pittsburgh’s defense than the offense. The Steelers have one of the most dangerous defenses in the league, one that can even put points on the board. Mike Tomlin, along with the direction of OC Arthur Smith, has done a nice job of creating an offense that complements the defense. The Steelers are averaging 29 points a game with Wilson under center. Add that explosive offense to a stingy defense and Pittsburgh should be dangerous in the postseason.