The Pittsburgh Steelers moved to 8-6 last night with a 28-15 win over Miami. At this point, they could lose the next two while Baltimore wins the next two and still make the postseason with a win over the Ravens in week 18. All that said, it feels like most fans of the Black and Gold are just biding their time until another inevitable playoff loss doesn’t it? And that brings me to the matter at hand.
Last night was a ‘feel good’ game in my opinion. The Steelers were decked out in their ‘color rush’ uniforms, they were inducting three legends into the Hall of Honor and ultimately, the team put together a very good performance in front of the home fans. Yet I keep coming back to something I, not anyone else can control. Will any of this matter is the Steelers lay an egg in the postseason again?
With games remaining in Detroit, Cleveland and at home against Baltimore, there is a general feeling of confidence that the team will get into the postseason. Whether that is through their success or the potential failures of the Ravens, we do not know. The bottom line is that while a playoff victory is the goal, there’s no guarantee the Steelers will even get there.
When the 2025 season began there was significant hope. Much of it was centered around a potentially “historic” defense and the rejuvenated play of future Hall of Fame quarterback. Aaron Rodgers had his best game of the season last night. That followed a very good performance in Baltimore the week prior but there have been stinkers along the way too. As for the defense, it’s been far less than what was advertised but like Rodgers, it has risen to the task at crucial moments.
We now find ourselves with three games remaining. Most of the computer models show the Steelers with a 61% chance of making the postseason. The most ideal situation would feature the Steelers winning their next two games with the Ravens losing their next two. That would make the week 18 finale a moot point. Things are never that easy for the Steelers though and I think we all know it.
Regardless of what happens over the next three weeks it all will come down to a potential playoff game anyway. Which leads me back to the original question. Will any of this even matter if they don’t win a playoff game? Stay tuned.
