Steelers roll, playoffs still not likely

But it is most likely too little too late. First of all, the Steelers have to beat two quality teams in the Ravens and the Bengals. But even if they win out, they are unlikely to make it to post season. There are four teams ahead of the Steelers in the AFC standings and they have lost to three of them (Bengals, Broncos, and Jags). As far as I can figure it, three of the four teams would have to lose their remaining games for the Steelers to have a shot because they all hold a tiebreaker with Pittsburgh should they end up tied at 9-7 (the best the Steelers can do). The three teams above would win due to the head to head and the Jets would win because of a better conference record. Here is how that looks:

- The Bengals are on the road in Indy tonight, then at Denver and Pittsburgh at home. Could they lose all three? It is possible, but I wouldn't bet on it.

- Denver faces Cinci and then San Fran. Again, possible but I have a hard time seeing Denver lose twice in a row at home.

- The Jags have the Patriots at home and then travel to Kansas City. This is probably the most likely team to lose both.

- The Jets head to Miami and then face Oakland at home. Do you really think the Jets are going to lose to Oakland at home with the playoffs on the line?

If you are a Steelers fan the most likely scenario is for the Bengals to beat Denver but lose to Pittsburgh and for the Broncos, Jags, and Jets to lose their last two games. I just have a hard time seeing Denver lose to San Fran at home and the Jets losing to Oakland at home. But stranger things have happened, that is for sure. First things first, however, so the Steelers need to find a way to give Ben Roethlisberger time against the Ravens defense that so confused them in their earlier 27-0 shellacking in Baltimore. If the Steelers can beat Baltimore, then we know they are back to playing winning football rather than just beating up on weak teams.