The Pittsburgh Steelers have gone through a lot this season including having to turn to their third-string rookie quarterback. Even with all the issues the team has had they still sit with a 7-5 record and would be in the playoffs as a six seed.
The Bills have all but locked up the first AFC Wild Card spot so it comes down to four teams that have a 6-6 record or better competing for that one final Wild Card spot.
Will the Steelers be able to hold on and make the playoffs or will their luck run out and the losses will start to pile up?
The first thing to look at when deciding playoff chances is the Steelers' remaining schedule. The last four games of the season for the Steelers are against the Arizona Cardinals, Buffalo Bills, New York Jets, and Baltimore Ravens.
The schedule could be tougher, but it hurts that only one of those games, against the Bills, is at Heinz Field. To make the playoffs, it's probably going to take three wins.
The Steelers are still a defense-first team, and that is going to be key this last month of the season, especially with a rookie starting under center. On the season, they are giving up only 18.8 points per game (7th) with their secondary being a real strength-giving up only 213 yards per game through the air.
As good as the defense is, there are still a lot of questions about the offense and that is going to be the key for this Steelers team if they make the playoffs.
James Conner is dealing with an AC-Joint sprain in his shoulder and it's unclear when he will be able to return to the lineup. Even if he does come back, he has been often injured this season and it's hard to trust that he will have consistent availability. Benny Snell Jr. seems to have taken over the lead back role, but he also hasn't been consistent this season.
With a lack of a running game, most of the weight of the offense falls on quarterback Devlin Hodges who threw for 212 yards, one touchdown, and one interception against the Cleveland Browns in Week 13. He is a fine quarterback, but likely won't be enough to complete a playoff push.
When it comes down to making a big throw in a critical game against tougher competition, Hodges isn't probably going to be the one to get the job done.
The Steelers' defense is going to give it their all, but in the end, the offense is going to hold Pittsburgh back too much. Look for the Steelers to barely miss the playoffs.
Follow Us
Subscribe