Shannon Sharpe names the best team in AFC according to him and it’s not Chiefs, Bills, or Ravens

Shannon Sharpe advocated Russell Wilson-led Pittsburgh Steelers as the best team in the AFC, despite the Chiefs, Bills and Ravens' prominence.

Shannon Sharpe names the best team in AFC according to him and it’s not Chiefs, Bills, or Ravens

Shannon Sharpe and Pittsburgh Steelers' Russell Wilson (Image via Open Source/X)

When it comes to AFC, the top teams, or rather the best teams, often include the Kansas City Chiefs (9-1) and Buffalo Bills (9-2). However, not according to sports analyst Shannon Sharpe. Following the thrilling matchup between the powerhouses of the AFC, Sharpe stunned everyone by naming a third team as the best in the AFC– the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

In Monday’s episode of ESPN First Take, Sharpe advocated Russell Wilson-led Pittsburgh as the best team in the AFC, who is coming off a solid victory over another top contending AFC club, the Baltimore Ravens at 18-16. 

I’m not so sure the best team in the AFC right now isn’t the Pittsburgh Steelers. If you make me pick right now, you just said are the Bills the best, I would say no. But if you make me pick of the four, of the three to four teams, which are the best, I’m going with the black and gold and I’m going to say the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Shannon Sharpe said

The Steelers hit a collapsing point in 2019 when the legend Ben Roethlisberger sustained an elbow injury before ultimately retiring in 2022. Although their defense has been impressive for carrying along the seasons afterward, the offense looked menacing with the addition of veteran Wilson and backup Justin Fields. 

Stephen A. Smith challenges Shannon Sharpe’s take on Steelers 

With the Steelers’ victory over the Ravens, they have improved to an 8-2 record. But to say they are the best team in the AFC is debatable– a sentiment echoed by his colleague Stephen A. Smith did exactly that. While acknowledging Pittsburgh’s success, Smith argued that it can not meet the supremacy of the Chiefs and Bills within the conference. 

Mike Tomlin
Mike Tomlin (Via Imago)

I need security to head out of town, go visit Shannon Sharpe, and get that brother tested. You’ve got to be crazy for saying something like that. You’re gonna come to us with a Pittsburgh Steelers team… [that] can’t get in the end zone. And you’re gonna sit up here and say, that team would be the favorites? Let’s stop that nonsense right now. They’re not the best team.

Stephen Smith said

While Sharpe was indeed accurate with his analysis about the Steelers’ coaching and ball security, given head coach Mike Tomlin is in the lead to win the Coach of the Year award, their turnover count of eight is becoming alarming as it’s ranked the 4th lowest in the league.