The Pittsburgh Steelers were riding pretty high and feeling good about their football team just a month ago. Now, after three straight losses against three of the NFL's most elite teams, Steelers fans have lost most of the optimistic vibes they were feeling about this team. The Steelers dropped games to the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Kansas City Chiefs, and the concerning part isn’t just the losses themselves—it’s how uncompetitive those games were. Had Pittsburgh shown fight and kept things close, the narrative might be different. Instead, they were thoroughly outclassed in three consecutive matchups.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers Quarterback Russell Wilson talks to his team on the bench during a game against the Baltimore Ravens at the end of the 2024 regular season.
What’s most troubling is the way these losses exposed weaknesses across the board. The offense struggled to sustain drives, the defense couldn’t contain elite playmakers, and the coaching staff seemed out of answers when things started going south. With so many question marks heading into the final stretch, fans are left wondering if the Steelers can regroup in time to salvage some pride—and maybe their playoff hopes—in the regular season finale. The Steelers have already punched their ticket to the postseason but it's pivotal to not head into the playoffs on a four game losing streak.
On Sunday night, it was revealed that Pittsburgh’s Week 18 showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals would take place at 8:00 PM ET on Saturday. The primetime slot adds extra pressure, as the entire football world will be watching to see if the Steelers can bounce back or if their regular season will end in bitter disappointment.
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Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris versus the Cincinnati Bengals in 2024.
There are several ways Steelers fans can view the NFL’s scheduling decisions. Understandably, both the team and its fans were frustrated by being forced to play three games in just 10 days. However, the Steelers weren’t the only team facing that adversity. Other legitimate Super Bowl contenders dealt with similar schedules and managed to thrive, while Pittsburgh noticeably regressed. Steelers fans can point fingers at the NFL, and yes, the schedule was unfavorable—but it doesn’t excuse the three lackluster performances the team delivered during that stretch.
The silver lining in the NFL’s latest scheduling decision is that the Ravens will now face the Cleveland Browns at 4:25 PM ET on Saturday. This timing means the Ravens will have no choice but to play their starters at full speed as they look to lock up the AFC North title. Additionally, the Steelers will benefit from an extra day of rest ahead of Wild Card Weekend, giving them a slight edge in recovery and preparation.
Steelers Not Likely To Win AFC North As Ravens Gear Up To Face The Browns
As for the Browns, they don’t seem overly concerned with winning games at this point in the season. While they’re not outright tanking, their recent performances have been far from competitive, which is why the Ravens are favored by nearly three touchdowns—a massive spread rarely seen in the NFL.
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Steelers' Mike Tomlin looks on during a snowy game in Cleveland.
Although Baltimore still has a favorable matchup, they’ll need to earn this win in a division rivalry game, meaning they won’t enjoy the luxury of resting key players before the playoffs. The Steelers will work hard to ensure they finish the regular season on a high note with a win over the red hot Bengals. All eyes are on Mike Tomlin as he works to fix his team's major issues quickly.
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