While fans of the 6-2 Pittsburgh Steelers are understandably on cloud nine after the recent success of the team, they may need to temper their expectations, at least until Week 12.

The Steelers face the 6-2 Washington Commanders on the road in Week 10 and the 5-3 Baltimore Ravens at home in Week 11. These two games, coming off the Week 9 bye, could set the stage for an impressive playoff run or could highlight the Steelers as potential pretenders.

While momentum is leaning toward the Steelers being closer to Super Bowl caliber than most other AFC teams, the lack of competitive teams Pittsburgh has faced through the first eight weeks cannot be ignored. Their opponents thus far have a underwhelming combined record of 27 wins and 35 losses.

If the Steelers can defeat the Washington Commanders and Baltimore Ravens in Weeks 10 and 11, confidence in their postseason aspirations will be completely justified. Similar to the Ravens, Pittsburgh should attempt to make a strong push for additional talent at the wide receiver position at the trade deadline, especially if the team hopes to stay competitive in the latter half of the season.

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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Contenders or pretenders: the upcoming Steelers' two weeks of doom