Defense Is the Best Unit
Pittsburgh uses heavy personnel and play action to keep Aaron Rodgers in defined, efficient throws. The defense remains pressure-based and is expected to keep the score low enough for that formula to work.
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Pittsburgh Steelers 2026 Team Rankings and Ratings
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79.1PFM Team Scorei
PFM Verdict
Why PFM Ranks the Steelers Here
T.J. Watt gives Pittsburgh a defense that can change a game without extra rushers, and Aaron Rodgers raises the short-term passing ceiling. The Steelers sit No. 17 because the quarterback room is old and the offense is changing systems again under Mike McCarthy. That version of the offense works only if Rodgers stays healthy, decisive and protected enough to keep the defense from carrying every close game.
NFL Rank#17Current PFM ranking
AFC Rank#10Among AFC teams
QB Stability#25Aaron Rodgers · QB Limbo
Season OutlookIn the Playoff Mix
Head coachMike McCarthy
Offensive coordinatorBrian Angelichio
Defensive coordinatorPatrick Graham
PFM Team DNA
View all NFL team rankingsPittsburgh Steelers Team DNA
Quarterback Uncertainty
Aaron Rodgers gives Pittsburgh an answer before the snap. The pressure point comes after the first read disappears, because the offense has little margin for Rodgers to hold the ball or throw at high volume.
Pittsburgh Is Nearly Even, but the Defense Is Safer
T.J. Watt and the pass rush give Pittsburgh the slightly more trustworthy side. The 5.8-point difference is almost nothing, which puts even more weight on Aaron Rodgers staying healthy and efficient in a new system.
Pittsburgh Is Not Finding Enough Big Plays
Pittsburgh sits 25th in explosive-play ability. Aaron Rodgers with Michael Pittman Jr. and the receiving group still need more gains that change the field in one snap.
PFM ROAD AHEAD
2026 Pittsburgh Steelers Strength of Schedule
Pittsburgh has one of the league’s more favorable schedules at No. 27, with opponents averaging 78.5. Philadelphia Eagles, Denver Broncos and Houston Texans still give the schedule a real test, but 4 games against current top-10 teams keep the full road from looking as heavy as most.
Difficulty Rank#27No. 1 is toughest
Opponent PFM Avg.78.5Average across opponents
Next 3 Avg.80.6Upcoming opponents
Top-10 Matchups4Games vs. current top 10
Away games left8
Top-10 road opponents2
vs. Atlanta Falcons76.4 PFM · #22
Sep 13 · 1:00 pmHome
at New England Patriots86.0 PFM · #7
Sep 20 · 1:00 pmAwayTop 10
vs. Cincinnati Bengals79.4 PFM · #16
Sep 27 · 1:00 pmHome
Toughest remaining opponent: 
Philadelphia Eagles at 86.2 PFM.
PFM Reporter
How much does Aaron Rogers have left in the tank?
Rogers has already stated this will be his final year playing. Does he have another playoff run in him?
Newly acquired Michael Pittman Jr. Should help free up DK Metcalf for more explosive plays.
Analysis updatedJune 22, 2026
Around the League
League Context
Closest Team DNA Match
Built Like Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota VikingsMatch distance: 2.73 rating points
Shared profile: Roster Strength and QB Stability.
Pittsburgh gets answers across the field from the offensive line, while Minnesota gets answers across the field from the offensive line. QB Stability and Roster Strength line up because the quarterback has usable protection, route answers and a second option when the preferred matchup disappears. Explosiveness is the main separator because Minnesota gets more drive-changing chances from the offensive line.
Where they separate: Explosiveness. Vikings hold the stronger current rating.
Division Pressure
AFC North
Baltimore and Cincinnati own younger, more established quarterbacks. Pittsburgh can stay in the AFC North race through pressure defense and efficient Rodgers possessions, but any shootout tilts the division toward Lamar Jackson or Joe Burrow.
Supporting Team Information
More About the Team
Pittsburgh Steelers in the Super Bowl Era
Pittsburgh is 6–2 in the Super Bowl and last won in Super Bowl XLIII in 2009.
- Super Bowl Titles
- 6
- Super Bowl Appearances
- 8
- Super Bowl Record
- 6–2
- Last Appearance
- 2011 Super Bowl XLV
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