Steelers Wildcard Playoff Scenario’s
What a difference a year makes. Last year at this time we didn’t have to worry about other teams winning, other teams losing and all these “if” so and so wins, so and so loses, etc… We were in and I was confident we would make it through the playoffs and to the Super Bowl.
This year it’s quite a bit different, if the Steelers make the playoffs as one of the AFC Wildcard teams, they need some help. Here’s what has to happen for the Steelers to get in.
Pittsburgh clinches a playoff spot:
1) PIT win + HOU loss or tie + NYJ loss or tie
2) PIT win + HOU loss or tie + BAL loss or tie
3) PIT win + NYJ loss or tie + BAL loss or tie + DEN loss or tie
Winning against Miami is a given, we have to win or it’s over. The Houston game is a big one, the Texans play the Patriots at home and the Pats are fighting for a playoff spot themselves so, this isn’t one of those meaningless week 17 games. I think the Patriots will help us, hate to say it, but go Pats.
The Jets go up against the Bengals in NY, I’d say at home but they play in Giants stadium..lol This is a must win for the Jets and meaningless for the Bengals BUT.. if the Bengals lose to the Jets, they would have to play them again the following week. Playing a team twice, is not good, even if you rest your starters and take a dive. I would say, Go Bengals, but the Jets got a freebie against the Colts last week and will most likely get a freebie this week.
The Ravens face the Raiders in Oakland. This is the game that will decide our fate, if I were the Ravens, I would be very worried about this below average Raider team. They have played the AFC North well this year and have nothing to lose. Actually, almost every player on the Raiders roster is fighting for a starting spot, so they will be playing in top form at home. My prediction, the Raiders win in a shootout.
The other team that can help us but only if The Jets and Raiders lose and the Texans win, is the Broncos. I wouldn’t worry too much about this scenario because I don’t think the Texans will beat the Patriots but, if for some reason they can stop the Patriots, we would need the Broncos to lose. The Broncos play the Chiefs in what used to be a good old fashioned rivalry but I doubt the Chiefs have what it takes to beat the Broncos this year.
Of course, none of these scenarios mean anything if we don’t beat Miami. So, lets start the day off with a win against the Dolphins and see what plays out.
Go Steelers!
Written by Pat Lovell - The Steeler FanaticPat has been following the Pittsburgh Steelers for over 30 years and is known worldwide as "The Steeler Fanatic". If you are interested in contributing to this website or would like Pat to contribute to your Blog, Website or Publication, Click Here.
