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New York Giants Come In Middle Of The Pack In Playoff Power Rankings

By Kenneth Teape

Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Landover, MD, USA; New York Giants head coach Ben McAdoo on the sidelines against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /
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New York Giants Come In Middle Of The Pack In Playoff Power Rankings
Nov 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell (26), wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) eat a turkey leg after the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. The Pittsburgh Steelers beat the Indianapolis Colts 28-7. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers come into the postseason riding high. They are on a seven-game winning streak, and for the first time in a few seasons, relatively healthy heading into the postseason, which spells trouble for the rest of the teams in the AFC.

The last two seasons the Steelers’ postseason runs have been undone by injuries. Le’Veon Bell has not yet appeared in a playoff game despite the team qualifying two of the three years he has been in the NFL. Last season Antonio Brown suffered a cheap shot from Vontaze Burfict and missed the divisional game against the Denver Broncos. This year both are healthy and ready to lead Pittsburgh on a playoff run alongside Ben Roethlisberger.

That is the best quarterback-running back-wide receiver trio in the NFL and the first time they will unleash it in the postseason. Bell has proven to be one of the best running backs in the NFL, as he can beat you on the ground or as a receiver and is a workhorse. Despite being suspended the first three games of the season, he finished fifth in the NFL in rushing yards and second among running backs in receiving yards.

Brown finished fifth in the NFL in receiving yards as he finished up the best three-year stretch for a receiver in the NFL history. This offense is nothing short of explosive, but they also have a strong defense to pair with it.

The Steelers finished with the 10th fewest points surrendered and 12th fewest yards given up. They are ninth in the NFL with 38 sacks and forced 23 turnovers. They have playmakers all over the defense as they have successfully built through the draft as the defense is loaded with recent draft picks. The 2016 draft produced two very serviceable defensive backs, as first round pick Artie Burns and second round pick Sean Davis have played well.

The Steelers will have a chance to win any game with the talent the offense has. But, their defense can also keep them in games. They are one of the most dangerous teams in the playoffs with no team being head and shoulders better than everyone else.

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