Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast, and is joined by Jenna Harner of WPXI-TV.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 6-2 start has them atop the AFC North. But can they make a second half surge to the season to win the division? Christopher Carter and Jenna Harner discuss what factors play into their chances. Russell Wilson has shown flashes of potential in the offense, but what can he do to be a quarterback that makes the offense more than just formidable? And can Joey Porter Jr. be the key to the Steelers' defense being elite again?

Finally, the two give their picks for week 9 in the NFL while the Steelers are on a bye, including picks for the AFC North teams.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast,and is joined by Nick Farabaugh of PennLive.com.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense ranks 15th in scoring in the NFL after just two starts from Russell Wilson and several injuries. Is there reason to believe in hype behind the unit? Christopher Carter and Nick Farabaugh discuss whether that's the case or not after Ben Roethlisberger suggested Steelers fans not believe in the hype train around the offense just yet. But Chris and Nick think there's reason for Steelers fans to be excited.

Also, Chris and Nick think there are ways for Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin to help the Steelers' pass defense with more complex looks. But could that also be part of a long term plan to conserve their more exotic looks for bigger games against the division?

Finally, Broderick Jones hasn't been good this season. But are his problems fixable? And how good can this offensive line be in the second half of the season?

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

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In this week’s AFC Squad, the crew discusses the Cleveland Browns win over the Baltimore Ravens, recaps from the Kansas City Chiefs, New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Denver Broncos wins. They also discuss the Anthony Richardson benching in Indianapolis and preview some of Week 9’s biggest games including the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders and Cincinnati Bengals.

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Hillsdale College
All of Hillsdale’s courses are self-paced so that you can start whenever, and tune in wherever. Plus, you can go deeper with readings, quizzes, discussions - or just enjoy the lectures. Go right now to hillsdale.edu/lockedon to enroll. There’s no cost, and it’s easy to get started.

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FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast, and is joined by Alan Saunders of SteelersNow.com.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' offense continues to grow with Russell Wilson at quarterback. Christopher Carter and Alan Saunders think Wilson and Najee Harris could have the perfect balance to make the offense dangerous. What parts of Wilson's game pairs well with Harris' running style? And what other parts of the offense could make them a better unit in the second half of the season?

Also, it's Stars and Skulls grades time, where Chris and Alan go over the most 3-star grades of the season, including Calvin Austin, who they think is an underrated receiver.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 26-18 win over the New York Giants wasn't the prettiest or best win for the Steelers, but it was still a win. And it was a win that showed Pittsburgh's ability to win in different ways with Russell Wilson at quarterback as Calvin Austin had his best day in the NFL yet, while George Pickens, Najee Harris and Pat Freiermuth all still made plays. Can the Steelers' offense be the key to unlocking this team's true potential?

What about their game Monday night is encouraging. Meanwhile, the defense didn't play a great game, but they played well enough win as well thanks to T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmiht, who could be flipping sides at linebacker more often. But looking at how the offense lifted up the defense in a hard time, and how the defesne has been very good all season, this may be a sign the Steelers are close to being one of the more balanced teams in the NFL.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Christopher Carter of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, hosts the Locked on Steelers podcast.

The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't made a trade to get a big name at wide receiver yet, but Christopher Carter thinks fans should trust Omar Khan's patience. The wide receiver trade market has brought up several big names, but have the Steelers truly missed on Brandon Aiyuk, who's out for the season, Davante Adams, who's struggling on the Jets, or Cooper Kupp, who turns out wasn't being traded by the Rams? Could the Steelers find a way to be a good offense this year without trading for a receiver to partner with George Pickens?

Also, Chris explains why the AFC North could be wide open for the Steelers after the Baltimore Ravens' loss to the Cleveland Browns and the Cincinnati Bengals' loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. But to walk through the door of opportunity to win the AFC North, the Steelers need Russell Wilson to prove the offense can be consistent and put up points in their Monday night showdown with the New York Giants.

CALL INTO THE SHOW AT 412-223-6644 or if international, e-mail your audio message to LOSTEELERSTOPICBAG@GMAIL.COM

Follow Chris Carter on Twitter: @CarterCritiques.

Theme music is 'How Can I Lose' by Johnny Quest the Rebel, under his label Renaissance Music. Find more from their label here.

This show is part of the Locked on Podcast Network.

Bilt Rewards
Earn points now by paying rent right now by when you go to joinbilt.com/lockedonnfl

5 Hour Energy
What’s your Fan Fuel this week?! Whatever it is, do it with a 5 Hour Energy!

LinkedIn
LinkedIn Jobs helps you find the qualified candidates you want to talk to, faster. Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/LOCKEDONNFL. Terms and conditions apply.

Hillsdale College
All of Hillsdale’s courses are self-paced so that you can start whenever, and tune in wherever. Plus, you can go deeper with readings, quizzes, discussions - or just enjoy the lectures. Go right now to hillsdale.edu/lockedon to enroll. There’s no cost, and it’s easy to get started.

PrizePicks
Download the app and use code lockedonnfl to win $50 instantly when you play $5. You don't even need to win to receive your $50 bonus, it's guaranteed! Prizepicks. Run Your Game.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL

Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms Apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.

FanDuel
You can start the season with a big return on FanDuel. New customers can place aFIVE DOLLAR bet and you’ll get started with ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY DOLLARS in BONUS BETS - if you win your first FIVE DOLLAR BET !Visit FANDUEL.COM to get started.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)