While it is hard to focus solely on Pittsburgh Steelers football right now due to the scary incident that happened with Buffalo Bills' safety, Damar Hamlin, the NFL has said there have been no changes made to the league's Week 18 schedule. That means football is likely to be played as team's begin preparation Wednesday for what could be their final games of the season. Once at 2-6, head coach, Mike Tomlin's group had less than a one percent chance to make the playoffs. Now, they have stormed all the way back and are 8-8 and FiveThirtyEight has Pittsburgh's playoff chances at 21%.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 01: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during an NFL football game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium on January 01, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
There is only one likely scenario in which Pittsburgh can get into the playoffs in rookie quarterback, Kenny Pickett's first season. The organization needs the New York Jets to defeat the Miami Dolphins, the Buffalo Bills to take down the New England Patriots, along with the Steelers defeating the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. What seemed impossible a couple weeks ago, is now slowly turning into a potential reality.
Beginning with their own game against a division rival, Pittsburgh is currently favored by 3 points according to the CBS Sports app. After a tough loss to Cleveland back in Week 3, Tomlin and co. now have an opportunity to get revenge and help their chances of playing in the postseason. It won't be easy, however, as the Browns and edge rusher, Myles Garrett are looking to play spoiler in the final week of the regular season.
As far as Buffalo goes, the entire NFL and its fans are thinking about the organization after the Hamlin situation. The players are going through a traumatic and unimaginable series of events that no one should ever have to experience. They will take the field this weekend with Hamlin on their minds and looking to keep their #1 overall seed hopes alive, depending on what the league decides to do with the Bills-Cincinnati Bengals game that was postponed. Buffalo is listed as 7.5-point favorites over New England this weekend.
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - OCTOBER 09:Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Lastly, the Dolphins, who have been expected to defeat the disgruntled Jets, are dealing with an interesting situation at quarterback. No one ever wants to see injuries to other teams' players, but with Tua Tagovailoa out with his third concussion of the season and Teddy Bridgewater unexpected to be good enough to go with a pinky injury, Miami will probably be looking to rookie, Skylar Thompson in a crucial Week 18 game.
After Dolphins' head coach, Mike McDaniel, spoke with the media regarding the signal-caller situation he is currently dealing with, the spread aggressively shifted and the Jets are now actually favored by 1 point. If Vegas is right regarding who is going to win this weekend's matchups, then the Steelers would somehow, someway, slip into the playoffs for the second time in as many years when it seemed almost impossible.
The Jacksonville Jaguars can also get the #7 seed if they lose to the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night and all three of the Steelers, Dolphins and Patriots lose, but Jacksonville is expected to win and favored by almost a touchdown.
Jan 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) reacts after sacking Baltimore Ravens quarterback Tyler Huntley (2) during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Don't look now, but things are quietly turning into an exciting Sunday for Pittsburgh. Sure, several things have to happen, but now the organization seems more likely than originally expected to miraculously snag the final AFC Wild Card spot.
Do you think the Steelers will unexpectedly get into the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
