The Pittsburgh Steelers fell 13-6 to the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon. In a game where Pittsburgh had much more at stake, facing a Browns team with just three wins while trying to clinch a playoff spot, the loss now puts the Steelers in a win-or-go-home scenario for the final game of the regular season, an uncomfortable situation the team could have avoided with a win in Cleveland.
On Sunday night, in a winner-take-all matchup between arch-rivals the Baltimore Ravens (8-8) and the Steelers (9-7), the winner will not only clinch the AFC North title but also end the other teamâs season.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers is confident in the Steelersâ ability to show up and win in the high-stakes matchup.
Rodgers said, “I have full confidence weâll go home and win next week,” according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. “Because weâve done it all season. Weâve handled adversity well. When we had to play our best ball, we did… other than today.”
With players such as star wide receiver DK Metcalf (suspended) and tight end Darnell Washington (broken arm) already ruled out for the Week 18 matchup against Baltimore, there is no question that to earn a playoff spot, the Steelers will have to overcome adversity.
GettyWR DK Metcalf won’t play against the Ravens due to suspension.
Playoff Birth Odds
Unfortunately for the Black and Gold, after falling short in a game where they could have clinched the division title against one of the leagueâs bottom feeders, the Browns, the Steelersâ playoff odds have dropped to under 50%.
According to NFL.comâs playoff predictor, Pittsburgh now has a 46% chance of making the playoffs, while the Ravensâ odds have increased to 54%.
The Steelers could be considered underdogs heading into the matchup due to the absences of key players like Metcalf and Washington. In addition to those missing pieces, star defensive end T.J. Watt, wide receiver Calvin Austin III, and guard Isaac Seumalo are all questionable to play.
“Star edge rusher T.J. Watt (lung), No. 2 receiver Calvin Austin (hamstring), and starting guard Isaac Seumalo (triceps) are trying to overcome injuries. Their status will be watched closely during the week as they try to get healthy enough to play,” wrote Clifton Brown of BaltimoreRavens.com
GettyDE T.J. Watt.
Just How Bad Was the Loss in Cleveland
Considering all the injuries Pittsburgh is dealing with entering this game, the Steelers really needed a win in Cleveland that they didnât get, which has some even questioning whether itâs the worst loss of the Mike Tomlin era.
“This has to be one of the worst losses of the Mike Tomlin era,” wrote DeFabo.
“If the Steelers cannot beat the Ravens, this is a loss that will linger. Weâll be looking back at Week 17 in Cleveland not just as another so-called ‘Tomlin Special,’ but perhaps the ultimate one,” wrote DeFabo.
GettyHead coach Mike Tomlin.
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