It’s been a rollercoaster season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers are back.
After losing five of seven during their midseason swoon and falling to 6-6, the Steelers have recovered to win their last two games against the Baltimore Ravens and Miami Dolphins. At 8-6 with three games to play, they’re now one win or tie away from clinching a non-losing record.
If they do that, they’ll set the NFL record for most consecutive non-losing seasons with 22, breaking a tie with the 1965-1985 Dallas Cowboys. Pittsburgh hasn’t had a losing season since 2003, the year before drafting Ben Roethlisberger.
The Steelers have three chances to break the record, starting with this week’s road game against the Detroit Lions. That won’t be easy, as Pittsburgh is considered a significant road underdog against the more talented Lions.
The Steelers have an easy road game against the lowly Cleveland Browns in Week 17. The Browns are 3-11 and have already been eliminated from playoff contention, so they have nothing to play for besides draft position. Pittsburgh beat Cleveland by two touchdowns in Week 6 and should win the rematch.
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The Steelers conclude the regular season with a Week 18 showdown against the Ravens. Depending on what happens over the next two weeks, the AFC North could be on the line, or the game might be meaningless.
Either way, Pittsburgh needs to finish the season strong if it wants to reach the postseason and make NFL history in the process.
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Featured image via Peter Casey/Imagn Images