The Pittsburgh Steelers have smashed everyone's expectations for the team going into the 2024 season. Before the campaign began, it was hard to predict exactly how well the team would perform, but they have consistently been one of the best teams in the AFC as they currently sit in third place in the conference and have a near two-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North. To some, the Steelers look like they can be Super Bowl contenders, while others are a little more skeptical.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt attempts to sack Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow during the 2024 season.
The Steelers currently have a record of 9-3, and their win over the Cincinnati Bengals clinched Head Coach Mike Tomlin's 18th consecutive non-losing season. Many predicted that streak would come to a halt in 2024, but it continues on thanks to a stifling defense and surprising quarterback play.
Pittsburgh's star outside linebacker TJ Watt hears everyone crowning the Steelers, but he won't do that quite yet which he told to DJ Siddiqi during a one-on-one interview on behalf of Peloton. Watt was asked if the 2024 Steelers are the best team he has played on, and he was hesitant to admit that they are.
"I don’t know man, it’s still early," Watt said. "There’s so much football left to be played. I know it’s getting down to the end of the season, but there’s still so much that has to happen. We have basically all of our divisional games still left to play. You can ask me that in about a month."
Watt is exaggerating a bit when saying Pittsburgh has nearly all of its divisional games left. The Steelers have played three games within their division and have a 2-1 record within the AFC North.
Taylor Ollason / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt gets the defense pumped up before a victory over the Baltimore Ravens in 2024.
Pittsburgh has five games remaining on their schedule, and they are all extremely important. They play each team in the AFC North one more time, which could seriously shake up the standings in the AFC and in the division depending on the outcomes. Pittsburgh will also travel to the other side of Pennsylvania to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, who are one of the best teams in the NFL and could very well be representing the NFC in Super Bowl LIX.
The biggest game on the schedule for the Steelers will come against the Kansas City Chiefs, and the game will played in front of the nation on Christmas Day. The Chiefs have forged a dynasty, and currently hold the one-seed in the AFC. There is a decent chance that this game could grant the Steelers the one-seed if they are able to take down the Chiefs. The Chiefs would need to lose one other game as well, and that could happen as they are still scheduled to take on the Los Angeles Chargers and Houston Texans.
The Steelers will also need to worry about the Buffalo Bills when it comes to acquiring the one-seed, however Buffalo has two challenging games ahead of them with the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' TJ Watt smiles before Week 12 game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football.
Steelers' TJ Watt Is Desperate For His First Playoff Win
Watt has been one of the best players in the NFL since entering the league in 2017, however he has never won a playoff game. At this stage in his career, all he wants to do is win and have a shot at the Super Bowl, which explains why his guard is up a bit and he won't admit that this is the best team he has played on.
This is likely the best chance Watt will have to go on a run in the playoffs, as the Steelers' offense is continuing to improve and Pittsburgh is proving that they can compete with anyone in the league.
What do you think of Watt's remarks? Let us know in the comments below!
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