The Steelers rank ninth in the NFL in total defense (333.5 YPG) entering their Week 16 game against the Saints.

Analysis: The Pittsburgh defense managed their best performance of the year last week against the Patriots, as they willed their team to victory by holding Tom Brady and company to only 10 points. Unfortunately for the Steelers, they have to travel to New Orleans and face the second-highest scoring offense (32.8 PPG) in the NFL in Week 16. The Saints are coming off a surprise outing of their own, as they managed only 12 points and committed two turnovers in their win against the Panthers. The Steelers'…read more

The Steelers are fresh off their most disappointing loss of the season in which they fell 24-21 to the Raiders.

Analysis: It was a game that warranted Pittsburgh fans' audible screams. A nightmare performance capped with a blocked field goal to end the game is what could keep the Steelers out of the playoffs down the road. With the Patriots and Saints still on the schedule, the Steelers will need their defense to peak at levels it hasn't all season. T.J. Watt has blossomed into an elite-caliber pass rusher, but the Steelers still rank 16th in the NFL in scoring defense (23.5 PPG). Tom Brady and the Patriots enter…read more

The Steelers enter Sunday's tilt with the Raiders fresh off consecutive losses for the first time all season.

Analysis: Pittsburgh will have a good chance to break its first losing streak of the season with Oakland waiting in the short distance. Prior to last week, Oakland had eclipsed 17 points in just one of its previous four contests. Expect the Steelers to look to exploit the Raiders offensive ineptitudes with a heavy pass rush. Derek Carr has shown inconsistencies this season, especially when under pressure. Playing in the Black Hole is never easy, but Coliseum doesn't boast much of its luster when the…read more

The Steelers currently boast the league's sixth-best total defense (325.1 YPG). They'll face the Chargers in Week 13.

Analysis: Pittsburgh took a step back last week following a loss to Denver, but the defense still projects as a solid option in most standard leagues. T.J. Watt's 10 sacks have brought a new energy to the defensive side of the ball. Still, more is needed from others if the Pittsburgh D/ST hopes to deliver consistent fantasy value. Heading into Week 13 action, the Steelers rank only 22nd in the NFL with 12 takeaways. If Mike Tomlin's bunch are going to leave Sunday's tilt against the Chargers with a win,…read more

The Steelers enter their Week 12 game against the Broncos with the sixth-ranked total defense (326.8 YPG).

Analysis: The Steelers also rank 10th in scoring defense (22.5 PPG) and haven't allowed an opponent to score more than 21 points since the Ravens put up 26 points in Week 4. The major strength for Pittsburgh this season has been their pass rush as they lead the NFL with 37 sacks. The Broncos do protect QB Case Keenum relatively well, but are generally an inconsistent and are down a playmaker following the trade of WR Demaryius Thomas late last month. The Steelers have played well defensively this season…read more

The Steelers enter their Week 11 matchup against Jacksonville as the league's eight-ranked total defense (336.1 YPG).

Analysis: Pittsburgh has effectively evaded any and all Le'Veon Bell distractions to win each of its last five contests. The resurgence has been largely attributed to the Steelers' dynamic offense, but the Steel City defense has been more than productive over the recent winning streak. In last week's 52-21 onslaught of Carolina, Pittsburgh's defense forced two turnovers while limiting Cam Newton and company to just 242 total yards of offense. In doing so, Mike Tomlin's defense has now kept opponents…read more