The Pittsburgh Steelers’ most impressive win of the season did not translate into them making a major jump in the ESPN NFL Power Rankings.
The Steelers moved up just one spot to No. 14 after routing the Indianapolis Colts, 51-34, last Sunday at Heinz Field. The Colts had been No. 4 in the power rankings before the Steelers halted their five-week winning streak behind a record-setting performance from quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
The Colts dropped to No. 9, and not far behind them is a cluster of AFC North teams. The Cincinnati Bengals are No. 12 followed by the Baltimore Ravens and the Steelers.
The Steelers and Ravens meet Sunday night at Heinz Field.
Other midday notes:
Roethlisberger won his 10th career AFC Offensive Player of the Week after throwing for 522 yards and six touchdowns against the Colts. Roethlisberger, who became the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for 500 yards in a game more than once, last won player of the week honors last November after throwing for 367 yards and four touchdowns in a win over the Detroit Lions.
A pair of Steelers players made MMQB’s midseason All-Pro team, including wide receiver Antonio Brown. Brown leads the NFL with 60 catches and is second with 852 receiving yards. Strong safety Troy Polamalu joined him on the team selected by MMQB’s Andy Benoit. Polamalu is second on the Steelers with 47 tackles. The 12th-year veteran also has a sack, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery. A pair of former Steelers landed on the MMQB midseason All-Pro team. Arizona Cardinals linebacker Larry Foote made it, while New Orleans Saints cornerback Keenan Lewis was a second-team pick.
