No one thought the Steelers would conclude their season 0-4 after they had a prestigious 10-3 record at one point. Back then, everything seemed to be pointing towards the end of the Mike Tomlin playoff failures, but things have turned on their heads. Most don't predict that Pittsburgh will have a chance at ending its playoff drought in tonight's Wild Card game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Some fans remain hopeful for the Steelers as they head into the elimination tournament. It is hard to find many positives for this team after their slide in the past four games. Yes, they played some tough playoff-level opponents in a short period, but they also couldn't find ways to rebound. They fell off a cliff in that period and it was an ugly holiday season for this club.
Now they hit the road to take on the Ravens in one of the most difficult environments in football. Baltimore is a foe the Steelers have beaten on the road before, but their previous matchup showed a different story. Lamar Jackson and the Ravens looked much better the previous time these two faced off, so they might have cracked the code on how to beat up the road team once and for all.
Still Curtain contributors predict another disappointment by Steelers
"Wild Card Round Prediction: On the heels of four straight losses to end the regular season, the Steelers will look to rebound on the road against the Ravens in the Wild Card round. Unfortunately for the Steelers, the 2024 season will come to a humbling end in Baltimore." - Eric C Hassel (Ravens 24-17)
"Pittsburgh is on a 4 game losing streak and faces one of the best teams in the league in the first round. Baltimore is a familiar foe but the Steelers will need a perfect game to have any shot. The offense is sputtering and it seems too late to recover. The Ravens send the Steelers home in another first round loss." - Brandon Kring (Ravens 27-16)
"This team has to put something together for this game, right? While I don't think they get the win, I do think they make this game close. They have to, and if they don't, there needs to be serious talks about coaching changes. Steelers stay in it but fall short." - Andrew Falce (Ravens 27-24)
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"Though it may not be the matchup fans hoped for, the Steelers get a shot at redemption against the Baltimore Ravens. In Week 16, Pittsburgh was trounced by their biggest divisional rival in a 34-17 loss. Now Mike Tomlin will look to avoid getting embarrassed by the Ravens for a second time in a row. A costly Russell Wilson fumble and pick-six against the Ravens in December pulverized Pittsburgh's chances. This game will be tighter, but the Steelers are still the biggest underdogs in the Wild Card round and I think their offseason starts next week." - Tommy Jaggi (Ravens 24-20)
"I believe the Steelers will right the ship and defeat the Ravens. Mike Tomlin is relieved from the hot seat after Russell Wilson reminds fans why he was considered Mr. Unlimited. T.J Watt rallies his defensive peers to come one step closer to earning his first Super Bowl." - Loyal Ricks Jr. (Steelers 24-17)
Final prediction has Steelers struggling to solve their playoff woes
Score Prediction: Steelers 20, Ravens 28
The bold pick this week will be having the Steelers win this game in any fashion. Some things could haunt the Ravens this week as much as Pittsburgh fans are worried. Jackson has his playoff warts, much like Tomlin does. Neither have had great success in the postseason throughout their careers, despite Tomlin winning a Super Bowl and appearing in another.
Pittsburgh wants to win a playoff game at a minimum, that is what they sought to accomplish when they signed Russell Wilson and company. Expecting the Steelers to lose their last five games of the season is a hard situation to imagine happening. In reality, their stretch of losing will likely be the scenario that plays out. Unless there is a massive upset, expect Pittsburgh to be sent home.
One-and-done is something fans refuse to believe in this postseason, but everything is pointing that way. Expect the Steelers to find different ways to keep the end score somewhat close, but it will be a controlled victory by Baltimore. Jackson might have his own playoff woes, but he should be able to produce a good enough outing that allows the Ravens to push into the second round.
Count on the fact that Baltimore's defense is playing much better down the stretch Derrick Henry is healthy, and the Ravens have plenty of factors going in their favor. Who knows what the future of Tomlin will be if he loses this game? Hopefully, for the Steelers, we don't find out. They need to win this game in the worst way, otherwise it will be one of the worst collapses in franchise history.