The Pittsburgh Steelers have delivered a commanding start to the 2025 season that has shifted the conversation around their playoff potential.
After six weeks, analyst Colin Cowherd believes they could clinch the AFC North by Thanksgiving, a sharp turnaround from his preseason skepticism about the roster.
Pittsburgh sits at 4-1 following a decisive win over the Cleveland Browns, holding a comfortable lead atop the division.
Cowherd’s outlook has changed dramatically since Aaron Rodgers joined the Steelers.
On The Herd, Cowherd acknowledged his surprise at how well the partnership has developed.
“I am going to shock you that for the second straight time I’m talking about the Steelers and Aaron Rodgers, I’ve got positive vibes,” Cowherd said. “Aaron Rodgers has done two things really well. Number one, he’s fit into the Steelers culture. He’s not taking anything away. And secondly, he’s made the Pittsburgh offense smarter. Pittsburgh’s offense is unique.”
“They might run away with this division by Thanksgiving.”@colincowherd is pleasantly surprised with how the Aaron Rodgers-Steelers marriage is working out pic.twitter.com/0jYisNKfHu
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) October 13, 2025
The veteran quarterback has integrated smoothly into Pittsburgh’s system, bringing efficiency and intelligence to an offense that previously struggled to match its defensive firepower.
Rodgers has adapted his game to fit Pittsburgh’s personnel, which features massive receiving targets like Cameron Heyward, Darnell Washington, D.K. Metcalf, and Pat Freiermuth.
Rather than forcing deep shots, he focuses on rhythm, ball control, and moving the chains.
Cowherd noted that the offense operates differently from pass-heavy systems like Kansas City’s, relying instead on size and precision.
The Steelers hold a strong position in the AFC North standings.
The Cincinnati Bengals trail at 2-4, while both the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns sit at 1-5.
Pittsburgh would currently hold the conference’s second playoff seed behind the Indianapolis Colts, who lead the AFC with one additional win after not yet taking their bye week.
The division race appears increasingly favorable for the Steelers as the season progresses.
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