Niner Noise
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NFL power rankings: 32-team post-preseason breakdown ahead of Week 1

By Peter Panacy

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on August 25, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – AUGUST 25: Ben Roethlisberger #7 of the Pittsburgh Steelers warms up prior to the preseason game against the Tennessee Titans on August 25, 2018 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Previous: . Pittsburgh Steelers. 5. team. 55. .

Like the Patriots, the Steelers get a boost up one spot in our NFL power rankings, thanks to the Jaguars taking a bit of a tumble.

Offensively, it’s going to be the same old story for Pittsburgh. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, despite seemingly endless chatter about retirement, is one of only a handful of elite-level quarterbacks capable of putting an entire team on his shoulders.

But he doesn’t have to do that. Not like Tom Brady or Aaron Rodgers. It’s why having a wide receiver like Antonio Brown or a running back like Le’Veon Bell is so crucial.

Bell hasn’t been around for the preseason, and 2018 is likely his last year in Pittsburgh once his franchise tag is through. That’s a shame, as it’s hard to envision him anywhere else. Assuming he hits the ground running (pun intended), the Steelers offense should be just as dynamic as it was a year ago.

No problems there.

Defensively, it’s going to be interesting to see how head coach Mike Tomlin’s squad manages the absence of linebacker Ryan Shazier (back), who was responsible for covering oh-so much of the second level on that side of the ball.

If Pittsburgh puts that together, there’s not reason to assume this bunch will be back in the Super Bowl hunt this postseason.