I was just looking at the Raven’s schedule and it looks rough. Jags, 49ers, Dolphins, back to back. Steelers have a relatively easy schedule with a slightly better divisional record.
Also of note—Browns have a seemingly easy schedule as well.
Do you think the Steelers have a real shot at winning the north? Or are you just hoping to get a wildcard spot?
Yes. If we keep pace with the Ravens and defeat them in Baltimore, we’re in.
If Fitzpatrick returns and the team stays healthy, optimistically the Steelers team in Week 13 is stronger than ever. Our full suite of superstar talent plus the rookies, minus Canada.
Meanwhile the Ravens are limping. They could easily fare worse going down the stretch with a tougher schedule. The Steelers may be the better team in Week 18 if they aren’t already. Lamar Jackson has yet to give Pittsburgh a reason to be afraid.
The Browns are another factor. The Steeler’d us so you would think they had figured out how to win, but surging Denver took one from them.
Speaking of those teams, the AFC Wild Card race is starting to look crowded and if the Steelers lose more than one game they could be toast. Winning the AFC North at 13-4 or 12-5 might be our best shot at the playoffs. Going into Baltimore with ten wins and squeaking out a gimme versus backups could leave us out behind some combination of Denver, Buffalo, Houston, and Cleveland.
Really winning the North is plan A, and Tomlin’s big ass cross is for plan B.
The Wild Card picture is nuts. Honestly, I think Buffalo is going to be done in the next couple of weeks with games against KC and Dallas. They’ve underperformed so badly this season, and blowing that game against Philly Sunday heading into their next 2 games was bad. They’re looking at 9-8 this season, where it’s looking like it’ll take 10 wins to make the playoffs in the AFC. I think Cleveland is done. They barely beat the Steelers at the Steelers’ lowest point, and followed that up by getting beat up by Denver. I think the Wild Card will be some kind of combination of Steelers, Ravens, Colts, Broncos, Texans. 1 of those will be a division champion, 1 won’t make the playoffs. It’s going to be tight