5 Teams that Threaten the Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Chances

Sep 27, 2015; Cleveland, OH, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) celebrates his fourth quarter interception against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott R. Galvin-USA TODAY Sports

“The Raiders Aren’t the Same Ol’ Raiders in 2015”

You might be laughing, but the Raiders are one of the Steelers top threats in the AFC in 2015. For some reason the Steelers find a way to lose close games to the Raiders. Four out of the last five games against the Raiders have ended in a loss for Pittsburgh and each time they have lost by three points. This year the Steelers host the Raiders in week nine and Roethlisberger is expected to be back by then. The Raiders are currently one game back of the final playoff spot and have wins over the Ravens and Browns. They sit two spots ahead of Pittsburgh right now in the early playoff race.

The Raiders offense looks legit this year as the development of Derek Carr has exceeded expectations and the additions of Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree have only helped Carr become more dangerous. Crabtree has been a great possession receiver for the Raiders and Cooper has been explosive. Their defense features elite edge defenders like Khalil Mack and Aldon Smith. This isn’t the same Raiders team that the Steelers have played over the years and they could be a big threat to the Steelers playoff chances.

Next: Steelers Watching AFC East Closely