By Michael K. Reynolds
Is the Pittsburgh Steelers upcoming game against the New Orleans Saints a must-win proposition?
At first glance, one would say no, as this is only an inter-conference match and the Steelers already have a fairly strong record in the AFC. But last weekend’s game results weren’t kind to the Steelers during their bye week and have left the AFC Wildcard race as competitive as it’s been in years.
Yet, there is no sense relying on pure speculation when the future is all clearly laid out below.
So what says the Steelers Playoffs Crystal Ball?
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS: Must Win
The Steelers will do well to finish 3-2 the remainder of the season but even that won’t guarantee them a seat at the big table. According to the Crystal Ball this projected 10-6 finish would leave them among seven teams vying for only six spots with three of those locked up by other division winners. If the Steelers squander an opportunity to beat an average team after a two-week break their playoff hopes will be back on life-support.
Can the Steelers lose against the Saints and still make it in? Yes. But if they want to guarantee themselves a spot in the playoffs they’ll need to finish at least 4-1 and only 5-0 will make it assured. With difficult games laying ahead the bottom line is the Steelers can’t lose against New Orleans.
Here’s how we know this to be true…
Current Playoff Seedings
1st Seed – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (9-2)
Will they ever lose again? After winning seven in a row and mostly in dominant fashion their biggest remaining test will be this weekend against the Green Bay Packers. After that only the playoff desperate San Diego Chargers and Miami Dolphins will stand in their way to the number one seed.
PROJECTED FINISH: 13-3
2nd Seed – DENVER BRONCOS (8-3)
With three away games against the Chiefs, Chargers and Bengals the Broncos may lose their second seed, but they are in prime position already to get a post-season ticket.
PROJECTED FINISH: 11-5
3rd Seed – CINCINNATI BENGALS (7-3-1)
The Bengals get their second bye week this weekend when they face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but then they have an AFC Murderers Row of having two against the Steelers, one against the Browns and another tough match against the Broncos.
PROJECTED FINISH: 9-6-1
4th Seed – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (7-4)
Their only two remaining difficult challenges come against the Browns and the Dallas Cowboys. They might just end up moving up to the second seed.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
5th Seed – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (7-4)
A rough road lies ahead for the Chiefs with home games against the Broncos and Chargers and tough away games against the Arizona Cardinals and the Steelers. Still, it says here they take care of business in their division and make it through.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
6th Seed – SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (7-4)
The Chargers have probably the most difficult path ahead with all five of their games very losable including battles with the Ravens, Patriots, Broncos, 49ers and Chiefs. If the Lightning Bolts manage to squeeze into the playoffs, they’ll enter as a dangerous dark horse.
PROJECTED FINISH: 9-7
In The Hunt
7th Seed – BALTIMORE RAVENS (7-4)
The difficult games on the Ravens radar include the Chargers, Dolphins and the Browns. You can expect them to win the easy ones.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
8th Seed – PITTSBURGH STEELERS (7-4)
Following the Saints match the Steelers have a double header against the Bengals and a tough home game against the Chiefs. They should be able to beat the Atlanta Falcons, but no Steelers fan will say that with confidence.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
9th Seed – CLEVELAND BROWNS (7-4)
Their upcoming away game versus the Buffalo Bills is must-win for the Browns because they still will have the Colts, Bengals and Ravens on the horizon.
PROJECTED FINISH: 9-7
10th Seed – MIAMI DOLPHINS (6-5)
The Dolphins have a season-defining game against the Patriots still on their schedule as well as a defensive battle against the Ravens. If they manage to win one of those their other games are easy enough to help them finish as a late contender.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
