NFL Power Rankings: Week 17
By Keith Rivas
Pittsburgh Steelers (9-6)
Dec 27, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) walks off the field field during the first quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Pittsburgh Steelers 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh prepares for a gutsy Week 17 after they lost control of their own destiny in a loss to the woeful Ravens.
Instead of trucking through the rest of the season and betting on themselves, they are going to need some help from the Buffalo Bills.
Other than the New York Jets, the Kansas City Chiefs will get to weigh on on wild card seeding and playoff positioning, but they have a spot locked up no matter what — the Jets don’t.
Pittsburgh can’t just beat the Cleveland Browns and get in, they have to win and get a loss from the Jets.
The only way the Steelers get into the playoffs is as the sixth seed, so win or lose, the Chiefs will be doing just fine.
We could see Pittsburgh pull a fast one on everyone and pull off a first-round, but they can’t get ahead of themselves just yet.
Ben Roethliseberger needs to implement his veteran leadership and effectiveness immediately, otherwise we’ll get to see the seventh Super Bowl ship sail — at least for this year.
Next: No. 9