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Steelers can clinch the playoffs one of two ways

By Tommy Jaggi

PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PENNSYLVANIA - DECEMBER 15: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts before the game against the Buffalo Bills at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /
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The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t guaranteed to make the playoffs this season, but here are the two ways in which they can do so.

After a heartbreaking 17-10 loss against the Buffalo Bills that was highlighted by the remarkably poor play of quarterback Devlin Hodges, the Steelers still sit on a playoff spot at the moment. However, nothing is set in stone at this point.

Hodges has been named the starter next week on the road against the Jets, and a win is obviously a must if Pittsburgh wants to hold onto the 6th seed in the AFC. Here are two scenarios in which the Steelers could make the playoffs in 2019:

Scenario 1: Steelers win out

This one doesn’t need a lot of explanation. The Steelers own the same record as the Tenessee Titans but Pittsburgh currently holds the tiebreaker in the AFC. Winning both games will guarantee them a spot in the playoffs.

Obviously, this is easier said than done. Mike Tomlin’s team closes the season with back-to-back road games – first against the New York Jets, then the Baltimore Ravens. If they can find a way to return home with wins, they will likely face the Chiefs or Patriots in the first round of the playoffs.

Scenario 2: Steelers win 1 of 2 and Titans lose to Texans in Week 17

Pittsburgh can still technically make the playoffs without winning both of their final two games this season. The Titans play the Texans in Houston for the final game of the season. A Tenessee loss in Week 17 would mean that the Steelers only need to win one game between the Jets and Ravens.

Clearly, this is the best-case scenario, and it will be difficult for Pittsburgh to win back-to-back road games – especially with their recent struggles at quarterback. However, the Titans were red hot prior to last weeks loss against the Texans.

Next. Steelers positional report card in loss against Bills. dark

The Steelers can’t leave anything up for chance, and winning both games to close the season is the only way they can control their own destiny. They will need to play their best football if they want a chance to compete in the 2019 AFC playoffs.

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