Steelers Have Surprise NFL Offensive Player of Year Controversy Brewing

The favorites to win the NFL Offensive Player of the Year award aren't on the Pittsburgh Steelers, but maybe those around the league ought to start paying more attention to the team that is currently leading the AFC North.

Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker III, and Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson are getting the most buzz to earn the top offensive award in the league.

CBS Sports' Ben DiNucci argued that Steelers running back Jaylen Warren should put his hat in the race for the NFL's OPOY award.

Warren became the Steelers’ lead back early in the season while running back Ricco Dowdle dealt with a toe injury. Warren had a big day on Sunday, rushing 17 times for 143 yards and a score in the Steelers' 27-7 win over the Cleveland Browns.

Entering Sunday's game, Warren had the seventh-most rushing yards in the league. The one thing holding Warren back was his lack of touchdowns. He only has three total touchdowns this season, despite accounting for much of the Steelers’ offense.

Still, there's a good argument to be made that he is flying under the radar because Pittsburgh is not getting many headlines in the national media despite having a 6-2 record.

That might change after Sunday, as the AFC North is set to see a significant shakeup. 

Pittsburgh leads the division. The Baltimore Ravens fell to 4-4 with a loss to the Buffalo Bills. Quarterback Lamar Jackson suffered a hand injury on his first throw in the game and is set to go on injured reserve as he will need surgery. He could miss the remainder of the season.

The Cincinnati Bengals improved to 5-2, but it took surviving a 43-36 game in overtime against the Tennessee Titans. 

The Steelers have a great opportunity to repeat as AFC North champs. While Pittsburgh has much more to show before being put in the Super Bowl conversation, first-year head coach Mike McCarthy has his team where it needs to be to make a postseason push.

The Steelers have a big game coming up in Week 10 on "Sunday Night Football" coming off of a bye in Week 9. Pittsburgh will go on the road to play the Bengals. That game will be for the lead in the AFC North and will tell us more about just where Pittsburgh stands.