The Steelers rank fifth in ESPN.com’s Week 8 NFL Power Rankings, behind the Packers, Saints, Patriots and 49ers.

Don’t look now, but the reigning AFC champs have won three straight. (Walker)

The “Walker” there is the usually-excellent blogger James Walker, and that’s ESPN’s entire explanation for placing the Steelers fifth. Why they need about 90 authors to write these power rankings is beyond me.

Anyway, ESPN-bashing aside, the Baltimore Ravens rank sixth after their ugly loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars this week. The 4-2 Bengals climb two spots to No. 16, and the 3-3 Cleveland Browns are at No. 24. ESPN’s entry on the Patriots, at No. 2, notes that their upcoming game against the Steelers could foreshadow a future playoff matchup, which makes sense – the Steelers haven’t always looked like a great team this year, but they probably are a playoff team.

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