The Pittsburgh Steelers ironically cashed their ticket into the playoffs after their dismal Week 15 loss against the Eagles. This guarantees Mike Tomlin at least one postseason game... but it certainly doesn't guarantee a desirable outcome.
Just before the Steelers take the field for their season finale against the Bengals, the Ravens will be wrapping up their Saturday afternoon game against the Browns. A Baltimore win would result in the Ravens earning the AFC North crown, which would force the Steelers to play on the road as a Wild Card team in the postseason.
Heading into Week 18, there are three possible matchups the Steelers could get in the Wild Card round of the NFL Playoffs. I've taken the liberty of ranking these matchups from best to worst based on the Steelers' chances of winning and advancing to the Divisional Round.
1. Steelers @ Texans
What's this? Would we rather the Steelers play on the road against the Texans than host a home game in the Wild Card round? In this case, yes. If the goal is to win at least one playoff game, what better way to get the engine running than with a win over the 9-7 Texans?
Houston is 2-2 in their previous four matchups and 4-6 over their last 10 games. This underwhelming AFC South team has a point differential of negative nine (-9) on the season while their total offense ranks outside of the top 20.
The Texans are one of the league's most disappointing teams in 2024 after a fantastic 2023 campaign. Though a matchup against Houston means the Steelers would not host a home game during the playoffs, this is a game Pittsburgh should win. If they can't, they don't deserve to go any further into the postseason.
How to achieve this scenario in Week 18: Steelers win + Ravens win or tie
2. Steelers vs. Chargers
The second-best outcome is for the Steelers to claim the AFC North title and host a home game. I know, I know... It feels backward, but trust me, it's for the best. By winning the division, the Steelers would host the Los Angeles Chargers in the Wild Card round of the playoffs — a team Pittsburgh defeated early in the season.
While the Chargers haven't been perfect his year, they have won two straight matchups heading into Week 18 while outscoring their opponents 74-34. This team has a lethal trifecta: a franchise quarterback, an excellent head coach, and a great defense.
The Steelers would have home-field advantage in this playoff contest, but fans shouldn't want any part of this revenge game for Jim Harbaugh and Justin Herbert.
How to achieve this scenario in Week 18: Steelers win + Ravens loss
3. Steelers @ Ravens
Of the three possible outcomes for the Wild Card round of the playoffs, this would be the worst. Yes, the Steelers have gotten the best of the Ravens in recent years, but many of these wins came with Lamar Jackson absent. Jackson is playing like the MVP of the league this season and the Steelers were recently trounced in a 34-17 outing against Baltimore.
Divisional games could go either way, but this would be a road contest against a talented and amped-up Ravens team that ranks first in the NFL in yards per game (424.2) and third in points per game (30.2).
Like it or not, the Ravens are bonafide Super Bowl contenders this year, and this matchup will likely result in a quick exit from the playoffs and an early offseason for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
How to achieve this scenario in Week 18: Steelers lose + Chargers win