NFL Power Rankings: Falcons, Packers drop in Week 9

13. PITTSBURGH STEELERS (4-4)

Last week: 11
Change: -2

Ben Roethlisberger returned to play Cincinnati, but he was clearly below 100 percent. And a less-than-healthy Big Ben couldn’t take down the red hot Bengals, who stretch out to a three-game lead over the Steelers.

The attention must now turn to the wild-card race, and the Steelers will have to do it without star running back Le’Veon Bell, who suffered a season-ending knee injury in the loss. It’s devastating news to the team who has already had enough setbacks. Roethlisberger missed four games, Bell missed the first two through suspension, and Martavis Bryant was suspended for the first four.

We haven’t been able to see how dangerous this offense can truly be, and unfortunately any hopes of a championship are likely gone. Playoffs is a possibility, but without Bell it’s tough to see them making a run.

Next: No. 12