With the Pittsburgh Steelers set to play the Miami Dolphins Monday night, Steelers fans got to sit back and watch the rest of the NFL do battle Sunday. The results of most games had no significant impact on the Steelers' postseason chances, but there was one glaring matchup that fans were undoubtedly paying attention to.
The Ravens and Bengals squared off for the second time in three weeks, and Steelers fans found themselves in the uncomfortable position of rooting for Cincinnati. A loss by Baltimore would give the Steelers more margin for error as they try and hold on to their tenuous lead in the AFC North race.
Instead, the Ravens came out victorious 24-0. It was the first time the Bengals had been shut out since Week 1 of 2017, also against the Ravens.
With the victory, the Ravens put added pressure on the Steelers to take care of business Monday night. A win keeps them a game ahead of their rival, and a loss would allow the Ravens to control their destiny.
Pittsburgh Steelers must win Monday Night to avoid nightmare Ravens scenario
While a loss certainly wouldn't end the Steelers' chances of winning the AFC North crown, it would put tremendous pressure on a roster that is already feeling plenty of it as it is. Between the calls for head coach Mike Tomlin's job, the freak injury to T.J. Watt, and the splurge this offseason to bring in older, expensive talent, missing the postseason would be catastrophic for all involved.
With the Ravens needing to face the Patriots and Packers over the next two games, a Steelers win would likely mean they have to win both of them to have a chance to steal the division in Week 18.
Pittsburgh would then have the leeway to lose one more game and still have the upper hand going into Week 18, as a win would guarantee them the division title even if the Ravens win their next two games.
The most likely scenario at this point, assuming the Steelers win against the Dolphins, is that it all still comes down to Week 18. There is still a path for Pittsburgh to not even need to win in the finale, however, so there is no room for error any longer. Avoiding a do-or-die game against the Ravens would be a welcome sight for fans after the turbulent season they have endured.
If there is one thing we all know about the Steelers, however, it's that they can never make it easy on themselves or the fan base.