The NFL’s regular season final weekend opens on Saturday with one of football’s biggest rivalries. The Pittsburgh Steelers travel to M&T Bank Stadium to face their archrivals, the Baltimore Ravens. This isn’t just another end-of-the-season duel; it’s a must-win for the Pittsburgh Steelers versus a team that would like nothing better than to see them miss the playoffs.
Still in the Hunt
For Steelers fans, it’s the hopes of salvaging what looked like a guaranteed post-season berth. Pittsburgh faltered along the way, losing back-to-back games in easy must-win situations. They fired their OC and have not fully replaced him. It began to look ugly. A few shuffles at QB along plus an injury to their season starter and voila, Mason Rudolph is back behind center. Only this time, they threw out the wildcat offense that the old staff only seemed to run when Rudolph was taking the snaps. Toss in the emergence of the best backfield duo in football, and they are right back into the thick of things.
Pittsburgh has dominated the rivalry in recent years, winning 7 of the last 10 matchups. The Steelers also hold the overall series lead at 34-25. Pittsburgh defeated the Ravens 17-10 earlier this year at home.
Lamar Inactive
Lamar Jackson has been declared inactive for Saturday and will not play. This adds to the glimmer of hope in this road game for the Steelers. But make no mistake; the Ravens are far from out of the fight. Tyler Huntley will take the snaps this weekend. Baltimore still boasts a potent offense and a ferocious defense. The atmosphere at M&T Bank Stadium will be electric, a sea of Raven fans will be definitely be making a lot of noise for their #1 seed in the AFC.
Scenarios for Pittsburgh Post-Season Chances
For the Steelers, the path to the playoffs is simple: win. But it won’t be easy. They need to navigate a complex web of scenarios involving other games across the league. Here’s a breakdown:
- Steelers win AND Jaguars lose: This is the most straightforward path. A Steelers victory coupled with a Jacksonville loss guarantees Pittsburgh a wildcard spot.
- Steelers win AND Bills lose: Another viable route. A Steelers win and a Buffalo loss would also secure a playoff berth.
- Steelers win AND Texans vs. Colts tie: A less likely, but still possible scenario. If the Steelers win and the Texans-Colts game ends in a tie, Pittsburgh gets in.
- Steelers tie AND Texans vs. Colts doesn’t end in a tie (Texans or Colts loss) AND Jaguars lose: This is the most convoluted scenario. If the Steelers tie, the Texans-Colts game can’t end in a tie (meaning either the Texans or Colts must lose), AND the Jaguars also need to lose, then Pittsburgh will sneak into the playoffs.
- Ravens win (Steelers lose) AND Jaguars lose AND Broncos win AND Texans vs. Colts doesn’t end in a tie (Texans or Colts loss): This scenario gives Pittsburgh a fighting chance, but they need a ton of favorable results from other games.
The Stakes Couldn’t Be Higher
No matter who emerges victorious, one thing is certain: the Steelers-Ravens rivalry will add another thrilling chapter to its history. This is a game you won’t want to miss.
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