NFL Power Ranking Preseason Edition: NFC only gets better

Ben Roethlisberger is in the best shape of his life, and that’s not an annual training camp stereotype. Big Ben lost about 20 pounds during the offseason and got himself in much better shape after seeing the Steelers draft a quarterback in the third round this year. Roethlisberger won’t say how much longer he wants to play, but the shredded weight could add another year or two of playing time to his knees.

This year he gets another crack at a title with one of the best offenses in the league, supported by Le’Veon Bell, Antonio Brown, JuJu Smith-Shuster, and the supporting cast in Pittsburgh. If Maurkice Pouncey stays healthy and Alejandro Villaneuva continues to develop, the offensive line could be really good.

Pittsburgh doesn’t have a good answer to the backup running back question. I think James Conner is what he is as a running back and obviously can’t replace Bell’s production if called upon.

I have more questions with the Steelers defense than I do the next team on this list. Pittsburgh returns most of their starters and they added Morgan Burnett to their secondary. Can Joe Haden stay healthy for a full season, can Artie Burns take the next step in his development, and is the depth behind them good enough?

I think the middle linebacker position could have been upgraded, but I think Tyler Matakevich can hold his own. I’m surprised they didn’t address the position in the draft with their seven picks, though safety Marcus Allen could step in if neccessary.