For the fifth time in six years, the Pittsburgh Steelers found themselves in a very similar situation during the final weekend of the regular season. Once again, the Steelers needed to win and get some help if they wanted to continue playing beyond Week 18.
The Steelers had four playoff scenarios heading into their regular season finale in Baltimore (h/t Steelers.com):
- Steelers win (yes) and a Colts-Texans tie (Texans won)
- The Steelers win (yes) and Buffalo loses (TBD)
- Steelers win (Yes) and Jaguars loss/tie (Jaguars lost)
- The Steelers are tied (No) and the Colts and Texans are not tied (Yes) and the Jaguars are losing (Yes)
Pittsburgh clinched a playoff spot with the Jaguars’ loss and is currently seventh in the AFC standings after a win over the Ravens. His seed could change depending on the outcome of the Bills-Dolphins game on Sunday night.
Speaking of the Ravens, Baltimore clinched first place after beating the Dolphins, so Lamar Jackson and several other Ravens stars sat out Saturday.
The Steelers returned to the playoffs by winning their last three games. The play of quarterback Mason Rudolph, wideout George Pickens, running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren and a revamped secondary each played a role vital role in Pittsburgh’s two-game winning streak.
Although the Steelers’ season has been a rollercoaster, they seem to be hitting their stride at the right time.
