The Steelers playoff hopes are on the upswing as the team got all of the help they needed, plus defeated the Ravens in Baltimore on Sunday in dramatic fashion.
Their chances started at four percent on the day, but by the end of it, the Steelers playoff chances boosted their way all the way up to 16 percent, the highest it has been since early in the season according to Five Thirty-Eight and their playoff projections algorithm.
First, the Dolphins faltered to the Patriots with Teddy Bridgewater going down with a hand injury. Then, the Jets were stomped by the Seahawks in emphatic fashion, allowing the Steelers to survive another week as long as they defeated the Ravens. Pittsburgh did just that, and the odds continue to climb as a result.
In order to make the playoffs, the Jets will have to knock off the Dolphins with the Patriots losing to the Buffalo BIlls. Meanwhile, once again, the Steelers must win their game and defeat the Cleveland Browns. If they lose that game, they will be eliminated from playoff contention, no matter what else happens.
The Steelers will play their game against the Cleveland Browns at 1 p.m. on Sunday alongside the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, the NFL announced on Monday. With all of the teams playing at the same time, there will be plenty of scoreboard-watching from the Steelers, who need those two games to go their way to get into the dance.