What needs to happen for the steelers to go to the playoffs?
Question: What needs to happen for the steelers to go to the playoffs?
The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful franchises in the NFL, but they have missed the playoffs for the last three seasons. What needs to happen for them to end their drought and return to the postseason? Here are some possible scenarios and factors that could affect their chances.
Scenario 1: Win the AFC North division. This is the simplest and most direct way for the Steelers to secure a playoff spot. They would need to finish with a better record than the Baltimore Ravens, the Cleveland Browns, and the Cincinnati Bengals, who are all in their division. This would give them the fourth seed in the AFC and a home game in the wild card round. However, this is also the most challenging scenario, as all three of their division rivals are formidable opponents who have improved their rosters in the offseason. The Steelers would need to win at least 10 games, and probably more, to have a realistic shot at this scenario.
Scenario 2: Earn a wild card spot. This is a more realistic and attainable scenario for the Steelers, as they would only need to finish as one of the three best non-division winners in the AFC. They would compete with teams like the Miami Dolphins, the Indianapolis Colts, the Los Angeles Chargers, and the New England Patriots for these spots. The Steelers would need to win at least nine games, and possibly more, depending on how the other teams perform. They would also need to have a good record against common opponents and within the conference, as these are tiebreakers that could determine their fate.
Factors that could help or hurt their chances:
- The health and performance of Ben Roethlisberger. The veteran quarterback is entering his 18th season in the league, and he is coming off a season-ending elbow injury that required surgery. He is expected to be fully recovered and ready to lead the offense, but there are still questions about his durability and consistency at his age. If he can stay healthy and play at a high level, he could elevate the entire team and give them a chance to compete with anyone. If he struggles or gets injured again, it could spell doom for their playoff hopes.
- The improvement of the defense. The Steelers had one of the best defenses in the league last year, ranking fifth in yards allowed and points allowed, and leading the league in sacks and turnovers. They have most of their key players returning, including T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Cameron Heyward, and Joe Haden. They also added some depth and talent in free agency and the draft, such as Melvin Ingram, Trai Turner, and Najee Harris. The defense should be able to carry the team in some games and keep them in contention in others.
- The schedule and luck. The Steelers have a tough schedule this year, facing some of the best teams in the league, such as the Buffalo Bills, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Green Bay Packers, and the Tennessee Titans. They also have to deal with some unfavorable travel situations, such as playing on Monday night in Los Angeles and then flying back to Pittsburgh for a short week. They will need some luck to go their way, such as avoiding injuries, getting favorable calls from the officials, and capitalizing on their opportunities.
The Steelers have a proud history and a loyal fan base that expects them to make the playoffs every year. They have a talented roster and a proven coach that can help them achieve that goal. However, they also face a lot of challenges and competition that could derail their plans. What needs to happen for them to go to the playoffs? A lot of things, but nothing is impossible.
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