Are the Steelers contenders or pretenders? Pittsburgh’s numbers tell the story

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 5-2 through the first seven games of the 2026 season, but are they a legitimate contender in the AFC or a team that still has too many questions to answer?

Pittsburgh has won five of its first seven games, including a 26-19 overtime win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and a 16-10 victory over the New Orleans Saints. Read more: Are the Steelers contenders or pretenders? Pittsburgh’s numbers tell the story.

The Steelers have found ways to win, but their numbers show a team that has relied on its defense while the offense works through some issues.

The Steelers’ defense is doing its part

Pittsburgh’s defense has been one of the biggest reasons for its 5-2 start.

Through seven games, the Steelers have allowed 138 points, an average of 19.7 per game. That ranks fifth in the NFL. They have also allowed 2,126 total yards, ranking sixth in the league.

The Steelers have been particularly strong against the run, allowing 637 rushing yards through seven games. Opponents are averaging just 3.7 yards per carry against Pittsburgh.

The defense has also done a good job getting off the field on third down. Opponents have converted 32 of 92 third-down attempts, a 34.8% conversion rate.

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Those numbers give Pittsburgh a chance to compete with just about anyone. The defense has limited scoring opportunities and forced opponents to work for their yards.

However, the Steelers have also benefited from creating turnovers. Pittsburgh has forced 11 turnovers while committing seven, giving the team a plus-four turnover margin.

If the defense can keep playing at this level, Pittsburgh will have a chance to stay in games throughout the season. The question is whether the offense can do enough when the defense needs help.

The offense needs to find another gear

The biggest concern for Pittsburgh is its ability to score consistently.

The Steelers have scored 153 points through seven games, averaging 21.9 points per game. That ranks 22nd in the NFL. They are also averaging 323.7 total yards per game, ranking 20th.

Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 1,699 yards with 13 touchdowns and five interceptions. The touchdown production has been solid, but the offense has struggled to put together consistent scoring performances.

Pittsburgh scored just 16 points in its win over New Orleans on Sunday. Rodgers threw for 212 yards and a touchdown, while the Steelers relied on their running game to help control the game.

The running game has been a positive for Pittsburgh. The Steelers have rushed for 743 yards, averaging 4.6 yards per carry. That has helped take some pressure off Rodgers, but the offense still needs to finish more drives.

Pittsburgh has scored touchdowns on nine of its 19 red-zone trips, a 47.4% rate that ranks 27th in the NFL. That is an area the Steelers need to improve if they want to compete with the league’s top teams.

The offensive line has also allowed 22 sacks through seven games. Giving Rodgers more time in the pocket and finding ways to finish drives with touchdowns instead of field goals could make a big difference moving forward. But the offensive line changes that Head Coach Mike McCarthy has made has helped limit those sacks. 

So, are the Steelers contenders or pretenders?

The Steelers have earned their 5-2 record, and the defensive numbers give them a reason to believe they can compete in the AFC.

Pittsburgh ranks fifth in points allowed and sixth in total defense. Those are numbers that can help a team make a playoff run.

The offense is where things get more complicated. Ranking 22nd in scoring and 20th in total yards is not ideal for a team with Super Bowl hopes, especially with its red-zone struggles.

The Steelers do not need to have the best offense in the league, but they will need to be more consistent when they face tougher opponents.

For now, Pittsburgh looks like a contender for a playoff spot. Whether it can make a deeper run will depend on how much the offense improves over the rest of the season.