[ad_1]
For the fifth time in six years, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a very similar predicament on the final weekend of the regular season. Once again, the Steelers need to win and get help if they are going to continue playing beyond Week 18.
The Steelers have four playoff scenarios entering their regular season finale in Baltimore (h/t Steelers.com):
- Steelers win (Yes) and a Colts-Texans tie (Texans won)
- Steelers win (Yes) and Buffalo loss (TBD)
- Steelers win (Yes) and a Jaguars loss/tie (TBD)
- Steelers tie (No) and Colts and Texans do not tie (Yes) and Jaguars lose (TBD)
Pittsburgh is currently seventh in the AFC standings after its win over the Ravens.
The Texans beat the Colts in Indianapolis, so the Steelers move ahead of the Colts who are now eliminated. As far as Buffalo is concerned, that game will come down to whether or not the injury-plagued Dolphins (who are currently the AFC’s No. 2 seed) can defeat the Bills in Miami. The Dolphins are surely hoping to enter the playoffs on a better note after getting waxed by Baltimore on Sunday.
Speaking of the Ravens, Baltimore locked up the No. 1 seed after defeating the Dolphins, so Lamar Jackson and several other Ravens stars didn’t suit up Saturday.
The Steelers got themselves back into playoff contention by winning their past two games, including Sunday’s 30-23 win over Seattle. The play of quarterback Mason Rudolph, wideout George Pickens, running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, and a revamped secondary have each played an integral role in Pittsburgh’s two-game winning streak.
While the Steelers’ season has been a roller coaster, they appear to be hitting their stride at the right time. But they’ll need outside help if they are going to be able to carry their current momentum into the playoffs.
[ad_2]
Source link