:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/25597163/20131222_sal_sh5_016.0.jpg)
The Steelers needed a lot of things to happen to keep their dim playoff hopes alive.
All of them happened Sunday, up to and including a thrilling and controversial 38-31 win over the Packers.
The Jets defeated Cleveland, Buffalo defeated Miami and New England kicked the tar out of Baltimore, setting up a Week 17 game for the Steelers that, if won, could put Pittsburgh in the postseason.
Lots of other things need to happen for that, but unlike last season, the Steelers have a reason to play in the regular season finale.
The Steelers survived a wild second half that saw two big takeaways, including an interception Cortez Allen returned for a touchdown. Troy Polamalu forced a Matt Flynn fumble that set up Le'Veon Bell's touchdown.
It was Bell's first 100 yard game. The Packers jumped offside on fourth down, giving the Steelers a first down before Bell's score.
The Packers got a 69 yard return on the ensuing kickoff, but Flynn's final pass fell incomplete.
