PITTSBURGH, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers have found themselves in a familiar position on the final weekend of the regular season, with their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. This marks the fifth time in the past six years that the team has faced such a predicament. In order to extend their season beyond Week 18, the Steelers needed a victory and some assistance from other teams.
The Steelers came into their regular season finale in Baltimore with four different playoff scenarios on the table. They would clinch a playoff spot if they won and the Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans did not tie, while also relying on a Jacksonville Jaguars loss. However, the Texans defeated the Colts, the Jaguars lost, and the Steelers won, securing their place in the postseason. As it stands, they currently hold the seventh seed in the AFC standings, although their position may change depending on the outcome of the Buffalo Bills-Miami Dolphins game on Sunday night.
On the other side, the Baltimore Ravens have already locked up the No. 1 seed, which led to several key players, including Lamar Jackson, being rested in their game against the Dolphins.
The Steelers managed to make their way back into the playoffs by winning their last three games. The performances of quarterback Mason Rudolph, wide receiver George Pickens, and running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, along with an improved secondary, have played crucial roles in the team’s recent success.
Despite enduring a roller coaster season, the Steelers seem to be hitting their stride at just the right moment.
In conclusion, the Pittsburgh Steelers have secured a playoff spot for the postseason after winning their final regular season game and receiving the necessary results from other teams. They are currently the seventh seed in the AFC standings, but their position could change depending on the outcome of another game. The team’s resurgent play, led by key players on offense and an improved secondary, has put them in a strong position as they approach the playoffs.