By Michael K. Reynolds
Prescriptions for anti-depressants dipped dramatically in Pittsburgh this week following the Pittsburgh Steelers impressive victory against the Cincinnati Bengals last weekend.
Equally important for Steelers Nation, many of the AFC’s top Wildcard contenders followed the dream script by losing their key matches including the Cleveland Browns, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, San Diego Chargers and Kansas City Chiefs.
With all of these good tidings the Steelers were able to jump from the 10th seed in the playoff race to the 5th spot in the standings.
Now with the Steelers facing the Atlanta Falcons (5-8) and finishing their last two at home the road to the championship should be easy street, right?
Hmmm…let’s see what the Crystal Ball has to say about Pittsburgh’s remaining schedule:
At ATLANTA FALCONS: Must Win
Must win? Is that a misprint? After all, the Falcons are in the NFC and the important games remaining are against Kansas City and Cincinnati. But not so fast there sports fans. Despite all of the euphoria surrounding the Steelers win against Cincinnati one important and critical fact remains: The Bengals are still in first place in the division! Additionally, the Baltimore Ravens are just waiting for the Steelers to slip up and if they do the Black and Gold’s tiebreaker advantage will be meaningless. No. The Steelers can’t crash again for several reasons. One is their record which is important for the division race and the Wildcard competition. Secondly, they are DESPERATE to show some consistency and to add to their momentum. Finally, on behalf of the Steelers marketing department, it would have hugely positive influence on last minute Christmas swag sales. (What can I say? I can’t take off my marketing hat.) You hate to see those Steelers toddler outfits on the clearance tables.
Vs. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS: Must Win
The Chiefs are going in the wrong direction having struggled as of late, but their last two losses were against the Denver Broncos and the Arizona Cardinals which are forgivable. They’ll be expected to exact revenge against the Oakland Raiders this week and will be in playoff desperation mode when they arrive at Pittsburgh. Expect this game to be a toughly contested battle.
Vs. CINCINNATI BENGALS: Must Win
Even if the Steelers win both games against the Falcons and the Chiefs expect this end of the season match against the Bengals to have major significance. One of the AFC North competitors will be in a position to take the prize if the Steelers stumble.
As for the AFC Wildcard competition the original Crystal Ball predictions are still in play although this may be the last week before the magic glass may require a Mulligan or two.
Current Playoff Seedings
1st Seed – NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS (10-3)
The Patriots scored a big win in their away victory versus the Chargers. With Peyton Manning and the Broncos nipping at their heels Tom Brady and Bill Belichick will continue to run up the scoreboards until they’ve secured the top playoffs position.
PROJECTED FINISH: 13-3
2nd Seed – DENVER BRONCOS (10-3)
The Broncos now face two tough away games versus the Chargers and the Bengals. They’ll get to coast in their last game against the Raiders but the number one seed may be out of play by then which could mean beach time for the starters.
PROJECTED FINISH: 11-5
3rd Seed – INDIANAPOLIS COLTS (9-4)
That was a big time win for Andrew Luck against the Browns, especially considering he wasn’t in top form. Now they will attempt to snuff out the Houston Texans playoffs aspirations. With a game still on the docket against the Dallas Cowboys there is much work remaining.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
4th Seed – CINCINATTI BENGALS (8-4-1)
Even though they are in first place in the division the Bengals are feeling the heat after getting humiliated by Pittsburgh. Every remaining game is a tough one with the Browns, Broncos and Steelers ahead.
PROJECTED FINISH: 9-6-1
5th Seed – PITTSBURGH STEELERS (8-5)
They’re baaaacccckkkk! But will they stay? The great teams finish well and it’s time for the Steelers to show they belong hanging out with the top contenders.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
6th Seed – SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (8-5)
The Chargers needed the upset against the Patriots last week, but fell short. Will they win again? Probably, but it won’t be easy with the Broncos, 49ers and Chiefs up ahead.
PROJECTED FINISH: 9-7
In The Hunt
7th Seed – BALTIMORE RAVENS (8-5)
Nobody is talking about the Ravens as feared contenders which makes them dangerous. Their schedule is light enough with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Texans and Browns to make a sweep possible, if not likely.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
8th Seed – HOUSTON TEXANS (7-6)
This weekend’s game against the Colts will either validate the Texan’s hopes of making the playoffs or have their horses riding into the sunset.
PROJECTED FINISH: 8-8
9th Seed – MIAMI DOLPHINS (7-6)
The Dolphins have a steep mountain to climb against the Patriots this weekend, but if they pull off the big upset, they should roll in their last two against the Minnesota Vikings and the New York Jets.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
10th Seed – KANSAS CITY CHIEFS (7-6)
The Chiefs have dug themselves a big hole but after they dispatch the Raiders this weekend they’ll be inspired by knowing that if they win out against the Steelers and the Chargers they’re probably in. Could still be dangerous and their visit to Pittsburgh will be huge.
PROJECTED FINISH: 10-6
11th Seed – BUFFALO BILLS (7-6)
The Bills have a nearly impossible task in playing the Green Bay Packers this weekend. But if they somehow perform a Hail Mary they’ll still have hope. They have the Raiders next week and then can cross their fingers that Tom Brady sits in the last game if the number one seed is already clinched.
PROJECTED FINISH: 8-8
12th Seed – CLEVELAND BROWNS (7-6)
It won’t take long to learn a great deal about the Browns selection of Johnny Manziel. If he beats the Bengals, he may take them all the way to the Promiseland. Then again…he may prove to be Cleveland’s latest greatest quarterback flop.
PROJECTED FINISH: 9-7
