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Three Rivers Report: Are The Steelers Real Super Bowl Contenders?

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The Pittsburgh Steelers are in a dogfight for the AFC North, with their next challenge being a Sunday Night Football matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on the road. Both teams are hot, and Pittsburgh is coming off its bye week. Hopefully, the coaching staff has crafted a game plan during the off time and is ready to roll.

The trade deadline is a few hours away, and in the AFC, the Jacksonville Jaguars have sent a loud and clear message about their intentions. Clearly, the Jags believe they are in the running for an AFC Championship. What if the Steelers beat the Bengals on Sunday night? People are chattering about Joe Burrow as an MVP candidate, and their offense is red hot.

A win not only extends their division lead, but sends a message that this team is a force to deal with in January. For a team with many veterans, one last run at a title would be ideal. I highly doubt Aaron Rodgers will be happy with a first-round exit, and this team shouldn’t expect that.

Here is Tuesday’s Three Rivers Report.