There are just two weeks left in the NFL’s regular season, which means there are a number of teams jockeying for playoff position. One team that was supposed to be a sure-fire playoff team – the Pittsburgh Steelers – has stumbled in recent weeks, opening the door that they might not make the cut. However, the oddsmakers at BetDSI don’t seem to be too worried. The Steelers are still heavily favored to make the cut.
Will Pittsburgh Steelers qualify for 2018-19 NFL Playoffs?
Yes -400
No +275
The Steelers were 7-2-1 after their Week 11 win at the Jacksonville Jaguars. At the time, the conversation regarding the Steelers focused on whether they could finish in one of the top two spots, earn a bye and home-field advantage. However, the Steelers went on a three-game losing streak with unexpected losses at Denver, at home to the Chargers, and at Oakland. That, combined with a surge by the Baltimore Ravens, who have won four of five, put the Steelers in postseason peril.
Related: NFL Betting Guide | Week 16 Odds
However, Pittsburgh picked up a big win at home over the New England Patriots on Sunday, which has put them back on course but they aren’t in the clear.
The main concern for the Steelers is their Week 16 matchup with the New Orleans Saints. The Steelers are a 5.5-point underdog and considering they’ve lost two straight on the road and nearly lost at Jacksonville, this is going to be far from a walk in the park. Not only are the Saints the top team in the NFL, they have won five straight at home (and five of six this season).
The Steelers are currently 8-5-1 and the Ravens are 8-6. If the Ravens can make up a game on the Steelers in the last two weeks, they’ll win the AFC North.
Baltimore also has a tough test in Week 16 as they’ll be on the road facing the 11-3 Los Angeles Chargers. They are a 4.5-point underdog on the road. Then they’ll end the season at home with a matchup against the Cleveland Browns. As for the Steelers, they’ll host the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 17.
If you’re cheering for the Ravens, you’re hanging your hat on the fact that they’re playing their best football of the season right now. They also have a defense that is considered the best in the NFL by multiple metrics. As for the Steelers, they are coming off a big win, but are probably lucky to have secured it and have been generally awful the previous month. Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger leads the NFL in interceptions with 15. Eight of those have come in the last five weeks. He’ll have to play one of his best games of the season this week to earn the win.
The greatest likelihood is that both the Ravens and Steelers lose on the road this week and both take care of business at home in Week 17. That would be good enough for the Steelers to make the playoffs.
