The Pittsburgh Steelers seem primed to make a run during the 2024 postseason, but the franchise will first have to get through their final four games of the regular season, which won't be easy. The Steelers will have to take on the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs all within a span of 10 days. All three of these games will be tough matchups with serious playoff implications. The Steelers currently have a firm lead in the AFC North, but that lead could dwindle as they prepare to take on this gauntlet of games.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin and Russell Wilson on the sideline during a game against the New York Jets in 2024.
The Steelers sit at 10-3 going into their Week 15 matchup in Philadelphia. Pittsburgh can clinch a playoff berth if it can defeat the Eagles, and it can also clinch the AFC North if it can beat the Ravens on the road in Week 16, regardless of the outcomes of the Week 15 games. The game the following week against Kansas City could be meaningful if the Steelers are still in play for the one seed in the AFC. This stretch of games will be tough, especially without star wide receiver George Pickens, who was ruled out for Sunday's matchup with the Eagles.
Insider Ray Fittipaldo went on 93.7 The Fan on Friday, where he spoke about his thoughts on the Steelers still winning the AFC North. He believes with the injury to Pickens, Baltimore could sneak back into the lead.
"I'll say no," Fittipaldo said when it comes to Pittsburgh winning the AFC North. "I just think it's going to be tough without George [Pickens]. Unless George plays next week, I just think it's going to be tough. If you lose the Ravens game, you kind of open the door for them if they run the table."
Pittsburgh's biggest and only threat to the AFC North crown is Baltimore, who is currently two games behind the Steelers in the standings. Baltimore has a much easier schedule than the Steelers throughout the remainder of the regular season, which gives them a bit of an advantage in the division if they are able to beat Pittsburgh in Week 16.
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Steelers' Payton Wilson celebrates after a huge play against the Ravens in Week 11 of the 2024 season.
Pittsburgh has dominated the Ravens in recent years, but it is never an easy victory. If Pickens is still dealing with a hamstring injury, that game becomes even harder to win. The Ravens' hardest game throughout the rest of the season is the Steelers, while their other opponents include the New York Giants, Cleveland Browns, and Houston Texans. Houston is a playoff team, but they haven't been playing well, so even that game may not be very difficult for Baltimore.
There is a clear path for Baltimore to regain the lead in the AFC North, but Pittsburgh controls its own destiny. If the Steelers can come out with victories in Philadelphia and Baltimore, they will clinch the division and play at least one playoff game at Acrisure Stadium.
Steelers Are Having Multiple Injuries Pop Up At The Worst Time
While Pickens is a huge loss on the offensive side of the ball, the Steelers are also dealing with injury trouble on defense. Standout safety DeShon Elliott is dealing with a hamstring injury that will keep him out of the game in Philadelphia, while Larry Ogunjobi will also miss the game with a groin injury. Both players play a huge part when it comes to stopping the run, which is a critical part of the defensive game plan as the Steelers prepare to face Saquon Barkley.
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Steelers' DeShon Elliott takes a knee during OTAs in 2024.
Hopefully these injuries to Pickens, Ogunjobi, and Elliott go away soon. All three players are crucial for the Steelers, and Pittsburgh will need them to return at some point in the regular season. The Steelers are relying on some depth pieces to step up in their absence, which will be much needed against this difficult schedule.
Do you think the Steelers will hang on to their lead in the AFC North? Let us know in the comments below!
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