Steelers Week 8 MV-3's

The Steelers have a steady record going into their bye week and are in first place in the AFC North division. A good performance in the Monday night showdown versus the Giants keeps the 22-home game win streak alive, and the Steelers have an over 80% chance of making the playoffs. This is the first time I've had to use the process of elimination for the best players, even with honorable mentions. So, credit goes to solid performances from George Pickens, Van Jefferson, and Chris Boswell. With all that in your brain, with the Steelers going into the bye, who was the best from week eight?

Honorable Mentions:

Najee Harris - 19 carries, 114 rushing yards, 3 rec, 17 receiving yards

Alex Highsmith - 4 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 6 QB hits

Beanie Bishop - 5 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass defended

#3: Russell Wilson - 20/28, 278 passing yards, 1 passing TD, 3 carries, 7 rushing yards, 1 lost fumble

Number three is back at the number three spot, as Mr. Unlimited keeps impressing everyone with solid performances. Wilson is third in the league for average passing yards per game (271.0) and QB rating (111.9) and also first in the league with average passing yards per throw (9.5). Despite the fumble, the former Wisconsin Badger puts the QB1 position on lock for another week as he continues to prove he is "No Rust Russ."

#2: TJ Watt - 7 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tackles for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 2 QB hits

A loaded stat line for Mr. Watt! It was a silent game versus the Jets last week, but a statement game versus the Giants puts Watt back into the conversation for DPOY. With this game, Watt is 7th in the league for sacks, 2nd in tackles for loss, and 1st in forced fumbles. Another DPOY season is on the way!

#1: Calvin Austin III - 3 rec, 54 yards, 1 receiving TD, 73-yard punt return TD

Ladies and gentlemen, the Steelers WR2 is right here! The speed demon from Memphis is coming to terrorize your defense and your special teams! A 73-yard punt return and a 29-yard receiving touchdown assisted the Steelers in a 26-18 winning effort. Calvin Austin is showing great strides in finding his place in the Steelers' offense, and he reminds me of a car with a bad battery— Austin is barely getting started!

After their bye week, the Steelers will run the gauntlet against some of the best teams in the NFL, and the Browns. The Commanders, Eagles, Chiefs, and the matchups in the AFC North will prove to be the biggest challenge for Pittsburgh going into the end of the year. A winning record percentage of 60%, and most teams are looking into playoff hopes. Can the Steelers keep riding after the bye? Is the QB1 spot truly on lock? Will the Steelers make any moves before the trade deadline? It is a must-see week coming up for the six-time champions. Enjoy the bye, everybody!