NFL

2017 NFL Power Rankings: Preseason Edition

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14. Pittsburgh Steelers, 0.90 nERD

In 2016, Pittsburgh Steelers finished on the right side of zero in nERD for the 13th straight season with a score of 1.50, but they fell off significantly from their 8.34 rate in 2015.

The offense was 9th overall, 9th via the pass, and 6th via the run (after going 4th, 7th, 4th in 2015). It's the defense that really dipped, falling from 9th overall to 19th.

They added T.J. Watt in the draft and will get Cameron Heyward back, after he went to injured reserve with a torn pectoral in Week 10 last year.

An 11-win team last year, Pittsburgh will face the 23rd-toughest schedule in 2017, based on our preseason projections. It's still a tough sell at 10.5 wins at -130 for their over/under, but frankly, they can get there given the combination of factors in their favor.