Why Steelers making the playoffs is still a possibility

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost to the Ravens in overtime and are now just 1-4 on the season. Here’s why they could still make a run at the playoffs in 2019.

I know what you are thinking, and those negative thoughts towards the title of this article are probably warranted. However, even with the Steelers pathetic 1-4 start to the season, they still could make the playoffs in 2019.

Obviously, this scenario is unlikely, and many things would have to fall their way in order for them to do this. The odds are certainly stacked against them, as most betting sites have dropped them down to 12/1 odds of winning the AFC North and 100/1 odds of winning the Super Bowl.

I’d say that’s fair. The Steelers certainly aren’t going to be anyone’s frontrunners at this point, but here’s why they aren’t out of the playoff picture just yet.

As unfortunate as the Steelers have had it to begin the season, there is one thing they have going for them: They happen to be a part of the worst division in football. It certainly hasn’t always been this way, but teams like Brown and Ravens are currently very beatable, and Pittsburgh was just seconds away from securing a win against Baltimore last week.

After week five, the AFC North has a combined record of just 6-14 on the season. While many of these losses are from the Steelers and the Bengals, the Browns and Ravens have chipped in five of their own already.

Astonishingly, if JuJu Smith-Schuster hangs on to the ball during Pittsburgh’s final drive in overtime, the Steelers would likely own the tiebreak for the division lead right now.

The Ravens have games against the Patriots, Seahawks, Texans, and Rams coming up within the next 6 weeks. During that same span, the Steelers will face the Chargers and Rams, but will also have games against the Dolphins, Colts, Browns, and Bengals.

Taking care of games within their own division is obviously a must, but losing to Baltimore isn’t the end of the world. Obviously, Pittsburgh has some major question marks on offense as rookie Devlin Hodges (who was promoted from the practice squad earlier this season) looks to lead their team to victory this week if Mason Rudolph is unable to go.

It’s entirely possible that 9 wins could get the job done in the AFC North this year. While Pittsburgh is still a far cry from that, the worst of their schedule is behind them.

The Steelers have a good defense and ownership that is not used to losing games. Perhaps they can make a mid-season push and put themselves in playoff contention this year.