The Steelers playoff chances in Week 18
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff chances looked dim by October. The Steelers had lost their best defender, T.J. Watt, to injury during their Week 1 game. Watt was placed on injured reserve and didn’t return until Week 10. After their win in Week 1 over the Cincinnati Bengals, the Steelers lost six of their next seven games.
The Steelers and rookie quarterback Kenny Pickett started putting wins together in the last half of the season. They enter their Week 18 contest against the Cleveland Browns, winners of five of their previous six games. They are currently 8-8. We’ll look at the Steelers’ chances to make the playoffs and the scenarios they need this weekend.
According to the New York Times, the Steelers have a 16 percent chance of making the playoffs. The Steelers obviously must beat the Browns on Sunday. (The Browns played spoiler to the Washington Commanders in Week 17.) If Pittsburgh beats the Browns, the Steelers playoff chances only reach 29 percent.
The Steelers need some help
The Steelers playoff chances are not entirely in their hands. They need help—two games of it. According to CBS Sports, the Steelers need the New York Jets to beat the Miami Dolphins. The Buffalo Bills would also need to beat the New England Patriots. Those are both scenarios that could easily happen.
The Bills might rest starters, although their game’s suspension after Damar Hamlin’s tragedy on Monday Night Football might complicate their plans. The Dolphins could still be without Tua Tagovailoa. If the Steelers beat the Browns, they should feel confident with one-third of a chance to make the postseason. Especially after the way the season started.