There was a lot that needed to happen in Week 16 for the Pittsburgh Steelers to keep playoff hopes alive in the locker room. The biggest necessity, of course, was the team finding a way to win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night. After a rough initial 59 minutes to the contest, rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett led a game-winning drive and everyone in the stadium could take a breath knowing that the franchise was not mathematically eliminated. Everything else that needed to happen throughout the weekend worked in Pittsburgh's favor until Monday Night Football came around.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walks on the sideline and seems visibly excited against the Baltimore Ravens during a 2022 regular season game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA. | Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
The Los Angeles Chargers clinched a playoff berth after defeating the Indianapolis Colts, leaving just one spot left in the AFC. The NFL apparently believes Mike Tomlin's team is still worth watching after moving their Week 17 game in Baltimore to Sunday Night Football. Unfortunately, it may not mean much at all by the time 8:00 pm ET rolls around in Pittsburgh. There is only one big scenario that will lead the Steelers into the playoffs and while they currently only have a 2% chance of playing in mid-January, crazier things have happened.
As stated, the organization needs to win the remaining two games against the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns. They are currently listed as a 3-point underdog for Week 17, but a 1-point favorite when Cleveland comes to town. Anything can happen within the division, but the hardest part of the situation is that the Steelers have the least amount of control of their own destiny in the AFC.
Steelers defensive lineman, Cameron Heyward (#97) stands on the field at Acrisure Stadium before a 2022 regular season game against the New York Jets. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
The four losses to the AFC East are absolutely devastating, especially the one to the Miami Dolphins. Pickett was leading what could have been a game-winning drive until him and wide receiver, Diontae Johnson, were not on the same page and an interception was thrown in the end zone in the final minute of the matchup. That could certainly come back to haunt them, but Miami is the key if Pittsburgh wants to pull off somewhat of a miracle, just like last year.
A Dolphins win will eliminate Tomlin and co. from postseason contention. They will travel to play the New England Patriots and could be without quarterback, Tua Tagovailoa, so a victory for New England is not out of the question. Steelers fans are also going to have to root for the Seattle Seahawks to defeat the New York Jets in Week 17. It's crazy how poor play against one division can completely dismantle a season's mission of making it to play meaningful football in January.
Moving on to Week 18, the AFC East will be the only relevant division to Pittsburgh if Week 17 goes as planned. The Buffalo Bills will most likely still be playing for the 1st-round bye and will have plenty of motivation to take down the Patriots in the final week of the regular season. The biggest hurdle will be the Jets being mathematically eliminated, but playing with enough fire to take down the Dolphins. This would leave the Steelers at 9-8 while the Jets, Patriots and Dolphins all finish with nine losses.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - OCTOBER 23: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) make a throw on the run during the game between the Pittsburg Steelers and the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, October 23, 2022 at Hard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL. He cleared concussion protocol which allowed him to make the start. | Peter Joneleit / Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Never say never is the saying to use in this situation. The odds were slim last season and the football gods were on Ben Roethlisberger's side. Now, the franchise is hoping for somewhat of a miracle once again and it is because of four losses not just in a conference, but the same division. The playoffs may be out of reach by the time the team takes the field in Baltimore on prime time football in Week 17.
Have you given up on Pittsburgh's playoff chances or still holding out hope? Let us know in the comments below!
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