Steelers Top Graded Matchups in Week 6 at Buccaneers

Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Steelers Top Graded Matchups in Week 6 at Buccaneers

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Oct 18, 2026 10:00 AM ET

The Pittsburgh Steelers are headed to Tampa Bay looking to improve to 4-2 when they face the Buccaneers in Week 6. Pittsburgh has alternated wins and losses so far, and a victory would help the Steelers keep pace in the AFC North race. However, the Buccaneers present several challenges, and some intriguing individual battles could play a major role in the outcome.

Pro Football Focus’ grading system has identified several key matchups to watch as the Steelers take the field on Sunday. These top-graded matchups feature important battles across the field. Whether in the trenches or split out in the slot, there are a few key matchups that could determine which team comes out on top.

Here are PFF’s top-graded matchups for the Steelers in Week 6:

Calijah Kancey (71.0) vs. Mason McCormick (82.6)

Sep 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers guard Mason McCormick (66) takes the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Kancey is familiar with Pittsburgh, having played his college football at Pitt before becoming a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. Needless to say, he has been productive. This season, he has recorded 11 pressures, three tackles, and three run stuffs.

McCormick has been coming into his own, especially as a run blocker. He is currently the Steelers’ highest-graded offensive player, although Jaylen Warren has a strong case to be right there with him. Nonetheless, McCormick has allowed 10 pressures and three sacks across 224 pass-blocking snaps.

Jalen Ramsey (75.1) vs. Chris Godwin (66.9)

Oct 11, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) breaks up a pass intended for Indianapolis Colts tight end Tyler Warren (84) in the second quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Ramsey has thrived under Patrick Graham in his versatile, chess-piece role. He has been disruptive against both the pass and the run. Some of the touchdowns charged to him have been debatable due to miscommunications in the secondary. Aside from those plays, he has recorded 12 run stuffs, two pass breakups, 18 tackles, and just 75 receiving yards allowed when targeted.

Godwin is a savvy veteran who runs most of his routes from the slot. His production hasn’t been eye-popping on the stat sheet, but he has remained a steady target for his quarterback. Godwin has no drops, nine receptions for first downs, and an impressive 95% catch rate.

T.J. Watt (85.5) vs. Luke Goedeke (69.4)

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Watt is off to a strong start this season and could be returning to his previous form. According to PFF’s tracking, he has recorded 13 pressures, five sacks, 12 run stuffs, an interception, and a forced fumble. He may not be quite the same player he was five years ago, but he continues to prove that he belongs among the league’s best.

Goedeke has played better than his grade suggests. He has been steady in both pass protection and the run game, allowing just five pressures across 206 pass-blocking snaps. This matchup could have a significant impact on the outcome, especially if Watt can consistently pressure the quarterback.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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