The Pittsburgh Steelers (4-2) finally got back on the winning track after two straight losses by defeating the Las Vegas Raiders handily in Week 6, 32-13.
The 32 points were the most the Steelers have scored in a game this season, but it wasn't as if Pittsburgh had some impressive offensive explosion, as the Raiders shot themselves in the foot several times during the game and gift-wrapped the Steelers multiple scores.
Pittsburgh's rushing attack was much better than it has been all season, but the pass attack still left a lot to be desired. It was enough against a lowly team like the Raiders, but that isn't going to cut it against the league's better squads.
Now, the Steelers will again be faced with a decision under center again. Russell Wilson is healthy enough to play, but Pittsburgh is also 4-2 with Fields, who isn't overly impressive as a passer but is doing enough to help his team win.
Chances are, Pittsburgh will stick with Fields for at least another start, but any stumble could lead to Russ getting the nod.
Now, a look at where the Steelers ended up in the NFL power rankings of experts following their Week 6 win over the Raiders.
NFL Power Rankings Week 7: Pittsburgh Steelers
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: 7 (+2)
Iyer: "Justin Fields keeps getting the job done, and he has to love Najee Harris and the running game starting to come alive to help that job become easier. T.J. Watt and the front-running defense have been doing that all year."
Taylor Wirth, NBC Sports: 9 (+1)
Wirth: "Even with Russell Wilson lurking over his shoulder, Justin Fields continues to play pretty well. If it ain't broke, don't fix it."
Peter Dewey, Sports Illustrated: 14 (no change)
Dewey: "Justin Fields ran for a pair of scores to lead the Steelers to a win over Las Vegas -- and a 4-2 start this season."
Matt Johnson, Sportsnaut: 15 (+1)
Johnson: "The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t winning with any style points right now, but they certainly shouldn’t care since they still have a 4-2 record. Justin Fields did nothing through the air to suggest Mike Tomlin should name him the Steelers quarterback moving forward, but at least Najee Harris finally broke out for a big game. Considering what’s transpired with this Steelers offense as of late, with how well Pittsburgh’s defense is playing, it might be time for Russell Wilson to get a shot. If Wilson gets a shot, though, you can bet Fields will still get looks for his rushing ability as he should."
Lou Scataglia, NFL Spin Zone: 14
Scataglia: "I mean the Pittsburgh Steelers are 4-2, so I guess that’s something. Justin Fields again put out an uninspiring performance, as the team is winning in spite of Fields, let’s be honest. Fields is not a good QB, and the Steelers are simply winning games because of their defense and because they are well-coached enough to not shoot themselves in the foot constantly. The team needs to get their offense going and it’s not going to be Fields who gets it going. However, the downside here is that Russell Wilson is not going to get the offense going either, so I have no idea what the Steelers would even do this year down the stretch. They may again finish with a winning record but probably won’t be able to make any headway in the NFL playoffs.It’s the same story for the Steelers but they just happen to have different flavors at the QB position this year. Do not put a ton of stock into this team."
