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We’re all aware of the significance of winning vs. losing when the Steelers take the field against Baltimore. The Steelers were winners again last week. With still a lot of games remaining, the playoff contenders and pretenders are becoming more defined...but contests will increase in importance by the week. Most of the time, Steelers fans know who to root for. But here’s a guide to significant matchups and whose losses the Steelers would benefit more from this weekend.
If the season ended today, the Steelers would be the third seed in the AFC, but there are plenty of teams to root for in other action. Here are the current AFC playoff standings.
- Kansas City Chiefs 7-1 (Would win AFC West and would earn them a First Round Bye)
- New England Patriots 6-2 (Would win AFC East and would earn them a First Round Bye)
- Pittsburgh Steelers 4-2-1 (Would win AFC North and host Wild Card Cincinnati)
- Houston Texans 5-3 (Would win AFC South and host Wild Card Los Angeles Chargers)
- Los Angeles Chargers 5-2 (Would earn Wild Card and travel to Houston)
- Cincinnati Bengals 5-3 (Would earn Wild Card and travel to Pittsburgh)
- Baltimore Ravens 4-4
- Miami Dolphins 4-4
- Tennessee Titans 3-4
- New York Jets 3-5
- Indianapolis Colts 3-5
- Jacksonville Jaguars 3-5
- Denver Broncos 3-5
- Cleveland Browns 2-5-1
- Buffalo Bills 2-6
- Oakland Raiders 1-6
Kansas City Chiefs at Cleveland Browns - Sunday 1:00 PM
The Chiefs keep flirting with losses. While the Steelers need to gain ground on Andy Reid’s team, a reeling Cleveland team aren’t likely candidates to help them. However, a blind squirrel finds a nut every once in a while.
Who to root for: Cleveland
New York Jets at Miami Dolphins - Sunday 1:00 PM
The Dolphins are starting to collapse and their existence in the playoff race doesn’t mean too much to Pittsburgh, but Baltimore and Cincy are in front of them in the WC race. I’d much rather see this team than those AFC North foes.
Who to root for: Miami Dolphins
Houston Texans at Denver Broncos - Sunday 4:05 PM
Houston is currently right behind the Steelers. Denver beating them would give Pittsburgh more of a cushion.
Who to root for: Denver
Los Angeles Chargers at Seattle Seahawks - Sunday 4:05 PM
The Chargers keep gaining momentum. Slowing that down would be good,
Who to root for: Seattle
Green Bay Packers at New England Patriots - Sunday 8:20 PM
No brainer. A Steeler win and a Pats loss puts them at the No. 2 seed.
Who to root for: Green Bay
Tennessee Titans at Dallas Cowboys - Monday 8:15 PM
Typically you root for the NFC in this game, but a Tennessee win would put them at 4-4 and possibly ahead of Baltimore, should the Ravens lose.
Who to root for: Tennessee Titans
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AFC Bye-Weekers: Cincinnati Bengals, Indianapolis Colts, Jacksonville Jaguars
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Other games featuring AFC teams:
Chicago Bears at Buffalo Bills - Sunday 1:00 PM