The Pittsburgh Steelers will be headed back to the playoffs for the second season straight despite their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 15. This will be their fourth time in the playoffs in the last five seasons.
Pittsburgh sits atop the AFC North with a one-game lead over the Baltimore Ravens. After putting up over 500 yards of offense in Week 13 against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers’ offense has struggled the past two games. The team’s offensive struggles can partially be attributed to star receiver George Pickens being out, but the hope is he will return for the Steelers divisional game against the Ravens.
Pittsburgh can clinch the AFC North with a win in Week 16 against division-rival Baltimore, according to SteelersWire’s Curt Popejoy.
“Putting aside the Week 15 debacle against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a surprisingly good place this week,” Popejoy said. “Not only did the Steelers clinch a spot in the playoffs despite the loss, the Steelers can now focus on capturing the AFC North on Saturday vs the Baltimore Ravens.”
“If the Steelers can complete the season sweep of the Ravens this week, they will improve to 11-4 and secure their first AFC North title since 2020. Winning on Saturday would also give the Steelers some flexibility with the team’s final two games.”
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The Steelers defeated the Ravens in their first matchup this season 18-16, totaling 303 yards of offense with Chris Boswell accounting for all 18 of their points. Pittsburgh can still secure the AFC North title if they lose to Baltimore by winning its final two games, but a Week 16 victory is the simplest route to the title.
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