Even the Pittsburgh Steelers players were surprised they got into last season’s playoffs.
After all, they did not have control over their fate anymore, even if they finished the regular season at 9-7-1.
However, the two things they needed to happen came through.
First, the game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Los Angeles Chargers did not end in a draw.
Instead, the Raiders won in regulation.
Meanwhile, the Jacksonville Jaguars upset the Indianapolis Colts in Week 18.
A different result could have sent the Colts into the AFC postseason.
But one year later, Steelers fans are pinning high hopes on their beloved squad.
They don’t expect them just to make the playoffs.
Rather, they see the Steelers doing so while making an emphatic statement.
We asked, you voted 🗣‼️ pic.twitter.com/6Iq0BJy2WK
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) August 29, 2022
FOX Sports NFL shared the results of their poll regarding the projected winners of each division for the 2022 season.
The fans voted, and the Steelers were the top choice to win the AFC North.
The dedicated supporters pulled through once again, delivering another victory for their beloved squad.
However, this poll doesn’t mean anything if they cannot replicate it during the regular season.
Likewise, going through the AFC North isn’t that easy.
Steelers Are In For A Tough Battle
Six of their games are against the Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Cincinnati Bengals.
All of those teams made the playoffs in the last two seasons, and the Browns have a solid defensive unit led by Myles Garrett and Denzel Ward.
Meanwhile, the Bengals have a powerful offense with Joe Burrow, Joe Mixon, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Ja’Marr Chase.
Aside from the AFC North teams, also on the Steelers schedule are the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Miami Dolphins, and Philadelphia Eagles.
The Colts, the New Orleans Saints, and the Las Vegas Raiders could also give them a run for their money.
Therefore, a division title is not guaranteed given the strength of their schedule.
NEXT: Mitchell Trubisky Remains The Safe Choice In Pittsburgh