Top-Graded Steelers Matchups in Week 7 vs. Saints

Sep 27, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) looks to block against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Top-Graded Steelers Matchups in Week 7 vs. Saints

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jobe Morrison | Last updated Oct 25, 2026 8:00 AM ET

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The Pittsburgh Steelers will face several intriguing individual battles when they take on the New Orleans Saints in Week 7. According to Pro Football Focus (PFF) tracking, three matchups stand out based on the players’ grades and early-season performances. From rookie offensive tackle Max Iheanachor facing a productive pass rusher to Jamel Dean preparing for a familiar wide receiver, these battles could play a significant role in determining Sunday’s outcome.

The Steelers will also need strong performances from their defensive front to disrupt New Orleans’ offense. With each matchup featuring players who have performed well through the first several weeks, Pittsburgh will need its top performers to maintain their momentum against a Saints team looking to capitalize on its home-field advantage.

Max Iheanachor (68.9) vs. Carl Granderson (75.5)

The Steelers’ rookie offensive tackle faces another test on Sunday. Iheanachor has delivered some up-and-down performances early in his career, allowing 12 pressures in four games. However, that’s to be expected from a relatively raw prospect, and his upside has been on full display this season.

Granderson presents another challenge for the rookie as he looks to build on a strong start to the season. The Saints defensive end has recorded 12 pressures, five sacks and 11 run stuffs this year. Iheanachor will need to limit Granderson’s impact to give Pittsburgh’s offense time to operate.

Jamel Dean (86.2) vs. Chris Olave (87.1)

Sep 18, 2022; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Jamel Dean (35) intercepts a pass intended for New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris Olave (12) during the second half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

Dean delivered one of the best performances of his career last week against his former team. He ranks second among cornerbacks in PFF’s grading system, and his statistics support that standing. Dean has allowed fewer than 60% of passes thrown his way to be completed while recording an interception and four pass breakups this season.

Olave will likely be the receiver Dean matches up against on Sunday, and neither player is unfamiliar with the other. They faced each other twice per season before this year, giving both players plenty of experience against one another. Their familiarity should make this a matchup worth watching. Olave has recorded 43 receptions for 580 yards and two touchdowns this season, making him a key target for the Saints’ offense.

Keeanu Benton (69.8) vs. Erik McCoy (74.6)

Oct 18, 2026; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving (7) rushes and is tackled by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Keeanu Benton (95) during the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Benton has delivered some strong performances at defensive tackle this season. Pittsburgh has deployed him in a nose tackle role as well as the B-gap alignment that best suits his skill set. Benton has recorded eight pressures and seven run stuffs this season.

This week, Benton will face McCoy, one of the Saints’ interior offensive linemen who has excelled in pass protection. Across 275 pass-blocking snaps, McCoy has allowed just five pressures. Benton will need to find ways to disrupt the pocket and challenge McCoy if he hopes to help Pittsburgh’s defense generate pressure against New Orleans.

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

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