The Pittsburgh Steelers have somewhat surprisingly been one of the best teams in the AFC so far during the 2024 season. Head Coach Mike Tomlin always fields a competitive team, but many people thought the Steelers were due for a down year with so much change happening around the organization. Despite all the doubt, Pittsburgh sits at 7-2 as the team heads into their first matchup with the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Tomlin's team has a serious chance to take back the throne in the AFC North, and even a decent shot at the one-seed in the AFC.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin coaching his team during a home game against the New York Jets.
It is no secret that the Steelers are an intense football team. They're aggressive and often play up to their competition. The team has bad games here or there, but more often than not, they are in the game until the very end. Along with their very impressive record, the Steelers have also been taking a lot out of their opponents, which is something that can come in handy as the final stretch of the regular season approaches. Adam Lefkoe pointed out on Up & Adams that the last seven teams to plays the Steelers are a staggering 0-7 the week after facing off against Pittsburgh.
The ‘Mister ‘Steel(er) your WEEK AFTER WIN” curse continues 😈
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) November 15, 2024
Team’s are now 0-7 the week after they play Pittsburgh this season 👀@AdamLefkoe @heykayadams @steelers https://t.co/u7vvYFyH9h pic.twitter.com/2LjL819S33
This was a stat that followed the Detroit Lions around for a while until the Tennessee Titans won in Week 9 after playing the Lions in Week 8. Now, it is the Steelers. The last team to win a game the week after playing against the Steelers was the Denver Broncos, who the Steelers beat in Week 2. This streak has gone on for a considerable amount of time, and it could pay off big time for the Steelers if it continues.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers QB Russell Wilson celebrates after a big play against the Washington Commanders in Week 10 of the 2024 NFL season.
There could end up being a tight race for the top spot in the AFC. Currently the Kansas City Chiefs have firm control over it as they are perfect on the year with a 9-0 record. The Chiefs also have their biggest game of the season coming up in Week 11, as they have to travel to take on the 8-2 Buffalo Bills. That is the biggest game of the weekend, while the Steelers' clash with Baltimore is a close second.
If Buffalo can take down Kansas City, and the Steelers can later in the year, it sets Pittsburgh up well in the AFC. Especially if their odd streak of forcing teams into losses continues. At the very least, this streak will pay off a ton during division play. The Steelers are already ahead of the Ravens within the division, and a win would only grow that lead. The Ravens also take on the Los Angeles Chargers the following week, which certainly isn't an easy game and could keep the streak alive for Pittsburgh.
With two big games against the Ravens left, and a game against the Chiefs, this streak could be extremely beneficial for Pittsburgh. The city hasn't hosted a playoff game since the 2020 season, but there is a path for that to change in 2024.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Mike Tomlin walks on the field during a game against the Washington Commanders in 2024.
Steelers' Curse Is A Testament To The Coaching Of Mike Tomlin
Teams being 0-7 the week after playing the Steelers is a testament to Tomlin and the intensity his team plays with. Even in losses, they fight and take a lot out of their opponent. Pittsburgh has two losses in 2024 and even those teams lost the following week. Hopefully this streak stays alive as the season begins to get to the games that really matter. The Steelers will finally play an in-division game on Sunday, and a lot is on the line both in the AFC North and in the entire conference.
What do you think about this strange stat? Will it continue for the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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