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The Pittsburgh Steelers play the Baltimore Ravens Week 16, and everyone knows who they are rooting for in that game, but what about the other games which could impact the Steelers’ track to the postseason? This is where the Rooting Guide comes in. We break down the games you should be keeping an eye on.
If the Steelers beat the Ravens on Sunday, they are in. AFC North Champions and a playoff berth clinched. Lose, and they will need some help. We detail how things could change, even though no fan is hoping the Steelers need to rely on help to squeeze into the postseason.
Check out the full rooting guide below. It has dwindled as the AFC Playoff Picture becomes less cluttered.
Saturday, December 24th
Miami Dolphins at
Buffalo Bills (1:00 p.m. EDT)
Who you should root for: Buffalo
Why: The Steelers lost to the Dolphins during their 4-game losing streak, and that loss could spell disaster if the two teams ended up tied for a Wild Card spot. The Dolphins also sport a 9-5 record, so the more losses the better for Steelers when it comes to Miami and their playoff hopes.
Indianapolis Colts at
Oakland Raiders (4:05 p.m. EDT)
Who you should root for: Indianapolis
Why: If the Steelers are able to beat the Ravens in Week 16, their hopes of claiming the No. 2 seed in the AFC Playoffs will remain in tact, only if the Raiders lose to the Colts. The Steelers needed both the Chiefs and Raiders to go 1-2 in the final three games, with Pittsburgh winning all three of their final games, and Oakland was able to come from behind in Week 15 to be the San Diego Chargers. Pittsburgh’s only hope now is the Raiders stumble into the posteason by losing their final two games.
Sunday, December 25th
Denver Broncos at
Kansas City Chiefs (8:30 p.m. EDT)
Who you should root for: Denver
Why: As outlined in the above scenario, the Steelers were hopeful the Chiefs would lose at least 2 of their last 3 games, and their loss to the Tennessee Titans in Week 15 put them on track. For the Broncos, their 8-6 record could cause a log jam for the final Wild Card spot in the AFC Playoffs. This could actually benefit the Steelers to eliminate head-to-head matchups, since when more than two teams are tied, head-to-head wins don’t count.
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It is a weird weekend of football, with the majority of games happening on Saturday, not Sunday. Sit back, enjoy the holiday, and Here We Go Steelers!