Your move, Buffalo.

On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers went into Charm City and handled the Baltimore Ravens’ backups, winning 17–10 at rain–soaked M&T Bank Stadium.

With the win, the Steelers still need help to make the playoffs. Pittsburgh has to get a loss from either the Jacksonville Jaguars or the Buffalo Bills on Sunday. The Steelers will be a wild card if they reach the postseason, either as a sixth or seventh seed.

Later Saturday, the Indianapolis Colts will host the Houston Texans in what is a win-and-in, lose-and-out scenario for both squads. With both at 9–7, the winner is guaranteed a wild-card berth, and can win the AFC South should the Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.

SATURDAY

Steelers 17, Ravens 10

• What it means for Steelers: Pittsburgh (10–7) gave itself a chance. The Steelers would have technically been alive for a playoff spot with a loss, but the path was almost impossible. Now, the Steelers and their fans can sit down Sunday and cheer for the Titans and Miami Dolphins, hoping at least one of them can win and send Pittsburgh to the playoffs for the first time in two years. Regardless of the outcome, coach Mike Tomlin deserves credit for guiding the Steelers to 10 wins despite needing to start three (underwhelming) quarterbacks.
• What it means for Ravens: This game meant nothing for Baltimore (13–4), which clinched home-field advantage throughout the AFC playoffs last week. The Ravens sat most of their starters, giving them what amounts to a double-bye before welcoming in an opponent in the divisional round. For Lamar Jackson & Co., the real season starts now. In Jackson’s six seasons in Baltimore, the Ravens have won just a single playoff game. It’s time to either change the narrative or feed into it even further with another flop.

Source link