How the Aaron Rodgers-Led Steelers Can Overtake the Division Lead in Week 4
After three weeks of NFL action, the Pittsburgh Steelers currently sit at 2-1, heading into their Week 4 matchup against the Minnesota Vikings on their home field. With the injury to superstar Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals, the Baltimore Ravens' loss to the Detroit Lions on Monday night, and the circus that constantly surrounds the Browns, the Steelers have an opportunity to take the division.
As one of the most talked about divisions in the NFL, this division features four teams that are willing to put it all on the field for a chance at winning it all at the end of the season, especially the Steelers. Coming into the year, Pittsburgh was confident to take charge of the AFC by acquiring players like D.K. Metcalf, Darius Slay, and even trading for a veteran like Jalen Ramsey.
Arguably, the most significant move that the Steelers made was signing four-time league MVP Aaron Rodgers. At this stage of his career, fans would think he’s washed up and nowhere near the player he used to be in Green Bay.
Yet, Rodgers entered his 21st season blazing in week one by defeating the New York Jets, torching their defense, gathering 244 passing yards with four touchdowns to his already legendary resumé.
In his seemingly final season in the NFL, Rodgers aims to lead Pittsburgh as far as he can. After two horrible seasons as a New York Jet himself, the perception of Rodgers’ legacy is on the line this season. New team. New teammates. New head coach in Mike Tomlin. He’s playing for an organization that wants winning results.
The Steelers’ bye week is after their clash with the Vikings, another team whose starting quarterback is out with an injury. Expect Pittsburgh to take full advantage by securing a victory and reaching 3-1 on the season, becoming the number one team in the AFC North.
Now with Burrow being out for pretty much the rest of the season, Baltimore is the one team that’ll be in the way for Pittsburgh to take the AFC North crown. Their Week 4 showdown with the Kansas City Chiefs might be the game that helps Pittsburgh get a substantial lead in the division, especially now that the momentum is shifting in Kansas City’s favor after finally getting their first win against the Giants last Sunday.
According to ESPN, the Steelers have a +500 opportunity to win the division, which is second only to the Ravens. After the Week 4 games, the Steelers will be the number one team.