Pittsburgh currently ranks 26th in the NFL in scoring defense (29.0 points per game).

Analysis: Through four weeks, the Steelers have just one win, which came against the Buccaneers in Week 3. There are real issues defensively that have contributed to the early struggles. Despite the emergence of T.J. Watt as a pass rusher and Terrell Edmunds as a weapon at safety, Pittsburgh has been gashed in every contest so far. The Week 5 draw against Matt Ryan and the Falcons isn't going to ease the problems in the Steel City. In fact, it might only exacerbate Pittsburgh's defensive problems.

The Steelers enter Week 4 action ranked 29th in total defense (410.3 YPG).

Analysis: In some ways, the Steelers' early defensive woes are a product of the tough offensive competition they have faced out of the gate. But there's no question Pittsburgh has some troubling liabilities on the defensive side of the ball. In addition to the 29th ranked total defense, Pittsburgh ranks 28th in scoring defense (30.0 PPG). Sunday's primetime matchup with Baltimore should provide a hostile environment for the Ravens. With the terrible towels in full force, perhaps the Steelers defense can…read more

Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (hamstring) is questionable for Monday's game against the Buccaneers.

Analysis: Haden was held out of the Week 2 loss to the Chiefs, so there's optimism that the extra rest could serve him well leading into Monday's cross-conference affair. While the Steelers fell victim to Kansas City's high-octane offense last week, the poor defensive showing seems more like a testament to Chiefs offense than an indictment on Pittsburgh's defense. The Steelers have defensive assets, but the lack of offensive ball security has often put the defense in a tough situation. Tampa Bay has been…read more

Steelers cornerback Joe Haden (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Sunday's matchup with the Chiefs.

Analysis: Haden sustained the hamstring injury during Week 1 action and it doesn't appear so though there's any verdict for his Sunday availability. Should Haden miss Week 2's contest, the Steelers could be in trouble. The new-look Chiefs offense barely targeted Travis Kelce during Week 1 and still hung 38 points on the Chargers. Kansas City's offense has the early-makings of one of the league's most potent units. Pittsburgh seems outmatched from a defensive standpoint. Although the Steel Curtain have…read more

Pittsburgh's starting defense is fully healthy heading into their Week 17 matchup against the Browns.

Analysis: Veteran linebacker James Harrision had an ugly breakup with the team this week, but he played a limited on-field role that should have an effect for fantasy purposes. The Steelers defense ranks fourth in the NFL in total yardage per game (302.4) and fifth in scoring defense (18.9), and are going up against a Browns offense that ranks at or near the bottom of the league in most offensive categories. Pittsburgh is likely to be one of the most sought after defenses for Week 17, and for good reason…read more

The Steelers starting defense is fully healthy heading into Monday's game against the Texans.

Analysis: The return of Joe Haden from a broken leg puts Pittsburgh back at full health defensively, but considering that they face the Texans this week it may not even matter. Houston has committed the fourth-most turnover in the NFL (25) and will start T.J. Yates under center, who didn't even begin the season on the team's 53-man roster. The Texans have averaged only 13 points per game over the last four weeks, and the Steelers will hope to return their defense to the dominant form they illustrated…read more

Cornerbacks Joe Haden (leg) and Coty Sensabaugh (shoulder) are both listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Patriots.

Analysis: Haden is coming back from a broken leg and may be on a limited snap count regardless, so the Steelers can ill afford another injury in the secondary as they face Tom Brady and the Patriots. The New England struggled against the Dolphins last week, but with tight end Rob Gronkowski returning from suspension that shouldn't be expected to become a trend. Gronk has eaten Pittsburgh alive over the last few years, and the team doesn't appear to have a clear solution to slowing him down. The Steelers…read more

The Steelers rank fifth in the NFL in scoring defense giving up just 17.8 PPG.

Analysis: Pittsburgh will have the tough task of trying to shift its attention away from the scary incident that marred Monday's win over the Bengals in which Ryan Shazier suffered a potentially serious neck injury and begin focusing on the Ravens offense this week. While it won't be easy, the Steelers know what's at stake with home-field advantage throughout the playoffs potentially on the line. This game figures to feature a close game given the nature of the rivalry between these two teams. However,…read more

CB Joe Haden (upper leg) is out and FS Mike Mitchell (ankle) is doubtful for Monday's game against the Bengals.

Analysis: With two starting secondary members likely out, the Steelers are giving the Bengals worst-ranked offense a better chance at making an impact. Still, the Steelers defense should be ready to bounce back from Week 12's performance, where they let up a season-high 28 points to the Packers offense. The Bengals should provide ample opportunities for that to happen, since they've given up 17 turnovers over 11 games, even though they've coughed it up just twice in their last four matchups, and the…read more

Safety Mike Mitchell is listed as questionable for Sunday's game against the Packers with an ankle injury.

Analysis: The Steelers defense has been a model of consistency this season, and has not allowed more than 17 points in each of their past five games. They have another favorable matchup this week against a Packers offense which is led by inexperienced QB Brett Hundley, who has eight turnovers in five games since taking over for Aaron Rodgers (collarbone), and is coming off a three-interception performance. The Packers depleted running back situation plays in Pittsburgh's favor as well, and the Steelers…read more

Safety Mike Mitchell (ankle) is listed as questionable for Thursday night's game against the Titans after practicing in a limited fashion Tuesday and Wednesday.

Analysis: Ordinarily the loss of Mitchell would hurt the Steelers but not be overly debilitating, but with starting cornerback Joe Haden breaking his fibula in last Sunday's win over the Colts, the secondary will already be below full strength. Regardless, Pittsburgh's defense has looked more like the a typical Steelers defense in 2017, as they rank second in points per game (16.4), second in total yards (284.4) and pass yards (181.8), and tied for second in sacks (29). The Titans offense has had an…read more