NFL power rankings Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers inch closer to league's elite

Mike Moraitis

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NFL power rankings Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers inch closer to league's elite image

The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-1) have extended their winning streak to three games following a 23-9 victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 6.

The Browns managed to hang around for awhile, but the Steelers ultimately took care of business against one of the worst teams in the NFL.

The connection between Aaron Rodgers and DK Metcalf continues to grow and Jaylen Warren averaged nearly five yards per carry against an elite run defense.

Pittsburgh's defense wasn't exactly facing a daunting task in stopping Dillon Gabriel and Co., but at least there was no letdown there. Adding to that, the Steelers' pass-rush is playing at a high level.

As the Steelers remain firmly in the driver's seat in the AFC North as the rest of the division continues to crumble, Pittsburgh is also inching its way up to the elite spots in the NFL power rankings of experts going into Week 7.

NFL power rankings Week 7

Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News: 8 (-1)

Iyer: "The Steelers have put together their pass rush again with T.J. Watt and the blitz leading the way, flexing typical defense against the Vikings and Browns in big back-to-back wins. That has made Aaron Rodgers' job is so much easier."

Sayre Bedinger, NFL Spin Zone: 6

Bedinger: "There is still plenty for Pittsburgh to clean up after this one, including committing 10 penalties (4 of which resulted in first downs for the Browns). There are no 'gimmes' in the NFL, but the Steelers will face a beaten-up Bengals team next week before a gauntlet of games against the Packers, Colts, and Chargers."

Taylor Wirth, NBC Sports: 7 (+2)

Wirth: "An excellent game from Aaron Rodgers, who has a new best friend in DK Metcalf. They should have the easiest path to a division title in the league."

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Mike Moraitis

Mike Moraitis is a freelance writer who covers the NFL for the Sporting News. Over his nearly two decades covering sports, Mike has also worked for Bleacher Report, USA TODAY and FanSided. He hates writing in the third person.