AFC anarchy: Will all 4 divisions have new champs? Appraising the Broncos, Colts, Patriots and Steelers

Why they should win the division: On paper, the Steelers seemingly have everything needed to finish the job. The combination of a four-time MVP quarterback and a defense loaded with experienced big-play specialists could help Mike Tomlin roll to a division title and secure his first playoff win since the 2016 campaign. Given the individual and collective winning experiences of a squad with multiple Super Bowl champions, the Steelers should finish the season strong, with their urgency and intensity overwhelming their foes. 

Why they could fall short: The Steelers are maddeningly inconsistent in all areas. Despite boasting a veteran-laden defense with multi-time Pro Bowlers at all three levels, the unit surrenders too many big plays. While some personnel changes, lineup tweaks and schematic adjustments have yielded better results, Pittsburgh must dominate defensively to overcome a scattershot offense that operates like a dink-and-dunk factory behind this 41-year-old version of Aaron Rodgers. If the defense is unable to keep the score down or create scoring opportunities on turnovers, the Steelers lack the firepower to succeed against top competition. With Lamar Jackson healthy again, Baltimore is approaching fast, and the Ravens still have both games left against the Steelers. Pittsburgh’s division lead feels tenuous, at best.