NFL Week 5 Power Rankings: Steelers Lead AFC North, Rodgers Shines as Ravens Slide

A month into the 2025 NFL season, the Pittsburgh Steelers have quietly but firmly positioned themselves atop the AFC North—a division many experts predicted would be one of the league’s most competitive. If you weren’t expecting this, you might be in for a surprise.

Mike Tomlin has once again demonstrated why his teams are notoriously difficult to count out. This season was expected to test his remarkable streak of 18 consecutive winning seasons. Meanwhile, questions surrounded Aaron Rodgers’ ability to perform at an elite level as he aged, and many assumed the Steelers would be trailing behind the Ravens and Bengals. Yet through four weeks, it is Pittsburgh looking down on the competition.

Pittsburgh’s hot start can be credited to a combination of Rodgers’ steady leadership and a defense that refuses to yield. Injuries and instability at quarterback have plagued the other AFC North teams, giving the Steelers a crucial edge as they head into their bye week.

In Week 4, Pittsburgh traveled to Dublin to face the Minnesota Vikings, securing a 24-21 victory. Rodgers orchestrated an efficient passing attack, while the defense registered six sacks and two turnovers. The running game, a traditional Steelers hallmark, showed new vitality, gaining 131 yards on 29 carries. These performances underscore a team finding its rhythm on both sides of the ball.

“The Steelers’ identity has always been running the football, playing tough defense, and pressuring the quarterback. Against the Vikings, they reminded everyone they are a genuine AFC North threat,” noted one NFL analyst.

With this momentum, the Steelers climb to ninth in the latest Power Rankings. Looking ahead, their schedule remains favorable. Following the bye, they face the Cleveland Browns at home and then travel to face a Joe Burrow-less Cincinnati Bengals. If Pittsburgh wins both, a 5-1 start seems very achievable, which would further cement Tomlin’s streak of consistent success.

The decision to bring Rodgers to Pittsburgh is already paying dividends. Many speculated that relying on Mason Rudolph at quarterback could have left the team struggling with a 1-3 record. Rodgers’ presence transforms the offense into a confident, efficient unit, elevating the team’s competitiveness immediately.

The young offensive line is also progressing well, providing Rodgers more time in the pocket and opening lanes for the running game. As cohesion grows among the linemen, expect Pittsburgh’s offense to become even more formidable.

“Aaron Rodgers has brought stability and poise that the Steelers haven’t seen in years,” one team insider said. “It’s clear the team responds to his experience, and the combination of his play and a rejuvenated offensive line could make Pittsburgh a dark horse contender.”

While it is too early to crown the Steelers as division champions, the performance of the Ravens, Bengals, and Browns has done little to suggest that Pittsburgh’s early dominance will be challenged. Baltimore, in particular, appears to be in free fall, struggling to find consistency under center and on defense. The other teams are still battling injuries and adapting to lineup changes, further enhancing the Steelers’ early-season advantage.

The recipe for Pittsburgh’s success is classic and simple: run the ball, play stout defense, and pressure the quarterback. Against the Vikings, they executed that formula to perfection. With Rodgers leading the offense, the Steelers are not just maintaining their traditional identity—they’re elevating it, making themselves a credible contender not just in the division, but across the AFC.

As the season progresses, key storylines to watch include the continued development of the offensive line, Rodgers’ consistency, and whether the running game can sustain its newfound momentum. If these factors remain positive, the Steelers could be on a path to a historic season.

“It’s one thing to win a few early games,” said a football commentator, “but sustaining this performance while the division struggles shows Pittsburgh might have real staying power this season.”