Here's a look at various outlets' Week 8 NFL Power Rankings. The Steelers hold steady at or near the top, often trading the top spot with the New York Jets, after their close (and controversial) win over the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins, incidentally, remain stuck near the middle of these power rankings - I have to wonder what a different call in the Roethlisberger play might have done for them, as they would have a 4-2 record and be coming off a win against one of the best teams in football. Anyway, for more on the Steelers, check out SB Nation's Behind The Steel Curtain.
SBNation.com: 3 (last week: 3).
The Steelers consistency is amazing. Once again they're among the top in the NFL in defense and their record shows it. You almost forget about the Steelers because it seems they're always this good.
FOX Sports: 1 (last week: 1).
I had said last week that this was the NFL's most complete team, but Pittsburgh has started to suffer injuries on defense. The loss of starting DE Aaron Smith is potentially very big. The good news is their passing offense is back on schedule with Ben Roethlisberger behind center.
Fanhouse: 2 (last week: 2).
The Steelers got by the Dolphins, though Miami fans want it noted that it was only because of the referee. Of course, those field goals the Dolphins had to settle for earlier in the game may have been a factor. Anyway, Pittsburgh now heads to New Orleans, where the struggling Saints are desperate to stay relevant.
NESN.com: 1.
Steelers, 5-1. The Steelers caught a break against Miami due to some weird replay rules, but their lack of dedication to a running game (against an average run defense) should be the bigger story this week. Then, during that final goal-to-go series, the Steelers ran it three times but left starter Rashard Mendenhall on the bench.
Pro Football Talk: 2. Last week: 2.
Plenty of people think the Steelers should be No. 1. That group includes few Dolphins fans.