According to FiveThirtyEight, the Pittsburgh Steelers have approximately a .7% chance of sneaking into the NFL playoffs. Out of all teams still alive, Mike Tomlin's squad is the least likely to play meaningful football in mid-January. But, never say never. The odds of Pittsburgh slipping in last year were extremely slim, but one thing led to another and they were traveling to take on the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs. A lot needs to happen in Week 16 and beyond for the organization to make a third straight playoff appearance and this is what fans should be rooting for Christmas weekend...
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - DECEMBER 04: Kenny Pickett #8 of the Pittsburgh Steelers throws a pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 04, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
The Jacksonville Jaguars already did their part for the Steelers after defeating the New York Jets, 19-3 on Thursday evening. They will come into play in the coming weeks if Pittsburgh can pull off a victory on Saturday evening against the Las Vegas Raiders. The Cleveland Browns will play the New Orleans Saints, but they have the same record as the Steelers (6-8) and the two teams will play in the final week of the season.
It's important to note that Tomlin and co. absolutely need to win their remaining three games if a miracle could be pulled off. As far as the division goes heading into this weekend, any hope of an AFC North Title is gone for Pittsburgh. Fans will find themselves rooting for the Cincinnati Bengals this weekend when they head to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots, who are very much alive in the Wild Card hunt. Any loss for New England helps out.
As far as the Baltimore Ravens go, they currently have a record of 9-5 and will finish with a better conference record than the Steelers no matter what happens the next three weeks. It's always nice to see them lose, but whether they take a loss or defeat the Atlanta Falcons on Saturday, it holds pretty much no weight in the playoff race. Next weekend's contest between the two organizations could be pivotal.
GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN - DECEMBER 19: Aaron Rodgers #12 of the Green Bay Packers reacts after a play against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at Lambeau Field on December 19, 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
The Los Angeles Chargers and Miami Dolphins currently hold the #6 and #7 seeds in the AFC. The Chargers are heavy favorites against the reeling, Indianapolis Colts, but it could get interesting in Miami. Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are attempting to revive their playoff hopes in the NFC and looking ahead, the Dolphins losing out is somewhat of a possibility given the nature of their schedule. The black and gold faithful should be rooting for the cheeseheads in a big way.
It really all comes down to the Chargers and Dolphins going forward. Sure, other teams need to lose in order for Pittsburgh to claw their way into the postseason, but both sitting at 8-6 are making it extremely difficult to be positive. It all starts in Week 16, but going forward, losses by these two teams could drastically improve the odds for Tomlin and his team. Let's not forget that they need to win out, however, and don't have a three-game winning streak this season.
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin looks up at the jumbotron in the second quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. | Benny Sieu/ USA Today Sports
It's an unfortunate time of the year when fans' teams don't control their own destiny. Pittsburgh is the most dependent on other organizations right now if there is any hope of pulling off a miracle. Week 16 will provide much more clarity as we approach the new year.
Have you given up all hope of the Steelers slipping in the playoffs this year? Let us know in the comments below!
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