How the Steelers will make the playoffs.

What this team needs is hope. The Steelers lost control of their destiny when they lost to the now 2-11 Browns. They didn't look like they were playing for a Super Bowl spot then but they can't give up. The playoffs are still a possiblity, hinging on winning out and the records of six other teams.

THE OTHER WILD CARD HOPEFULS (And a near sure thing and another team that technically can make it ahead of Pitt)

Broncos: If they lose three of their next four, that would be awesome for the Steelers because they drop below us. That's extremely unlikely with only two tough games against Indy and Philly, and two very winnable games against the Raiders and the Chiefs. (estimated chances of losing 3: <1%)

Jaguars: The Jags also have to drop 3. Unless they lose to the Browns, they'll beat us on tiebreakers at 9-7. They have three tough games coming up against Miami, Indy, and New England. I don't think they can be favored to win any of those matchups, but that's certainly not guaranteed. If they win another game, the Steelers are practically toast. (estimated chances of losing 3: .750)

Ravens: Baltimore will reach the 7 loss mark after our Week 16 revenge, but they need to lose to a bad team and go 8-8 because they beat our division record. If the Ravens go 3-0 against Detroit, Chicago, and Oakland, they're in. Note that technically if the Steelers had managed to 3-0 these teams, we'd be a near lock for the playoffs. (estimated .500 chance of losing at least one of those games)

Dolphins: This is an easy one because by winning out we also beat them, and pick up a head to head tiebreaker. 

Jets: They're ok. Beating KC on deck most likely gives them tiebreakers over Pitt. Therefore look for them to drop 3 of the next 4: Bucs, Falcons, Colts, Bengals. Go Bengals. Count them in with Jacksonville; they aren't quite as good but their remaining schedule is easier. (estimated .500 chance of losing at least 3)

Texans: These jerks need to lose one with their remaining four games against the Seahawks, Rams, 'Phins, and Patriots. They will.

Overall chances of things going our way: ~20%

THE THREE TEAMS THAT NEED TO DIE

THE PACKERS: This is the Steelers' hardest remaining game and Green Bay will be favored. They have weak running game but a dominant passing game and passing defense. Note that this is exactly what you did not want to hear. If Polamalu is in the game, and the Steelers offense includes more than two running plays in their playbook, Pittsburgh can actually make this into a game. Another thing on my wishlist? Successful screen pass attempts. Chances of BA making those adjustments: 25%. Chances of Steelers winning this game? I'm going to go 25% here as well.

THE RAVENS: Can't take this for granted because Ray Rice is scary effective. However, after our overtime loss, I'm pretty sure everyone in Pittsburgh and Baltimore expected a healthier Steelers to take the next meeting. That was before week 13 and week 14, but we can still go into this meeting with confidence after a win against the Packers. I estimate chances of winning at a whopping 66%.

THE DOLPHINS: They're good. They do rely on solid running, so the Steelers should be able to shut down their offense. Their defense is not bad, but overall I'd say this meeting is at least a 6-4 split in the Steeler's favor.

Estimated chances of winning out: exactly 10%

OVERALL CHANCES OF MAKING THE PLAYOFFS: TWO PERCENT.

After doublechecking my math, we have a more promising chance.