A former NFL scout has high expectations for the Pittsburgh Steelers this season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been playing some very good, complementary football as of late, setting themselves up to contend for the playoffs once again this year. However, former NFL scout John Middlekauf is already confident the Steelers will be in the postseason come January.

“Let’s face it. At 5-2, unless they get a couple major injuries, they kind of feel like a playoff lock,” Middlekauf said on The Colin Cowherd Podcast. “Back-to-back years, keeping the Steelers in the playoffs, that’s really commendable. And the way they play, you never know, you could win a playoff game.”

It is certainly a bold prediction as the Steelers are in the midst of a very tight race in the AFC North.

Pittsburgh currently sits in second place behind the 5-2 Cleveland Browns and in front of the 4-2 Cincinnati Bengals and 4-3 Baltimore Ravens.

Of course, teams can still make the playoffs without winning their division, but that is the easiest way to guarantee a spot in the playoffs.

Middlekauf believes quarterback Aaron Rodgers will be the difference that propels the Steelers into the postseason, though.

“I have so much respect for the way Aaron’s battled these last two years. He’s not doing this for the money,” Middlekauf continued. “All season long, he’s been getting hit.”

Rodgers has been playing quite well, throwing for 1,699 yards, 13 touchdowns and five interceptions through the first seven weeks of the season.

However, only time will tell if it will be enough to get the Steelers into the playoffs, and more importantly, finally end their nine-year postseason win drought.