Steelers fans know who to root against week in and week out. They usually know to root against Baltimore, Cincy and New England. But sometimes, you have to look at the bigger picture—the playoff picture.
We’re all aware of the significance of the Steelers’ victory over Tennessee. But Sunday doesn't have to be a day of rest from rooting. Here’s a guide to other significant matchups and whose losses the Steelers would benefit more from this weekend.
If the season ended today, the Steelers would have the top seed in the AFC. Here are the current AFC playoff standings.
- Pittsburgh Steelers 8-2 (Would win AFC North and get a First Round Bye)
- New England Patriots 7-2 (Would win AFC East and get a First Round Bye)
- Jacksonville Jaguars 6-3 (Would win AFC South and host Wild Card Buffalo)
- Kansas City Chiefs 6-3 (Would win AFC West and host Wild Card Tennessee)
- Tennessee Titans 6-4 (Would earn Wild Card and travel to Jacksonville)
- Buffalo Bills 5-4 (Would earn Wild Card and travel to Kansas City)
- Baltimore Ravens 4-5
- Oakland Raiders 4-5
- Miami Dolphins 4-5
- New York Jets 4-6
- Houston Texans 3-6
- Cincinnati Bengals 3-6
- Los Angeles Chargers 3-6
- Denver Broncos 3-6
- Indianapolis Colts 3-7
- Cleveland Browns 0-9
Kansas City Chiefs at New York Giants-1 PM
Who to root for: I have a better chance at convincing my wife to let me purchase a PSL on eBay than the Giants do at beating KC. But the Steelers need the distance. Go New York football Giants.
Baltimore Ravens at Green Bay Packers-Sun 1:00 PM
Who to root for: You don't need GB coming into Heinz Field after a loss and the Ravens need to sink further into their gutter. Go Pack Go!
Jacksonville Jaguars at Cleveland Browns-Sun 1:00 PM
Who to root for: Gotta check the rivalry hatred at the door with this one.
The Steelers Week-5 loss to the 5-3 Jags gives them a head-to-head tiebreaker and Jacksonville needs to get knocked down a peg. Plus, Cleveland winning a few could keep them from picking first overall again in the draft.
Cincinnati Bengals at Denver Broncos-Sun 4:25 PM
Who to root for: Really no significance to this game whatsoever. A free ticket and a comped flight to Denver or a prostate exam. Not sure which one would be less appealing. But it's the Queen City convicts, so root for the home team of the Mile High.
Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Chargers-Sun 4:05 PM
Who to root for: Actually Buffalo here. With the Ravens at seven and the Raiders at eight, a winning Bills team could keep them both out. Plus, Pitt's Nate Peterman gets his first start.
New England Patriots at Oakland Raiders (In Mexico)-Sun 4:25 PM
Who to root for: I don't need to explain this one, now do I? Da Raidahs!!
AFC Bye-Weekers: New York Jets 4-6, Indianapolis Colts 3-7