Pittsburgh Steelers forced behind Cincinnati Bengals in last playoff wildcard race – NFL News
The Pittsburgh Steelers with the recent loss to the Dallas Cowboys has added to their playoff berth difficulties through second wildcard opportunity given their closest rivals the Cincinnati Bengals courtesy of winning their game on the weekend have moved a point ahead of them in the race.
Overall, the scorecard position is: the Bengals 8-6 and Steelers 7-7. Both teams represent American Football Conference (AFC) North division.
Another team neck-to-neck with them in the race is the New York Jets from AFC East. They at present are 6-7, but had a game due to play versus the hosts Tennessee Titans on Monday night. If the Jets win they will tie with the Steelers at 7-7.
Moreover, the Bengals are travelling to Pittsburgh next weekend and if they manage to defeat the Steelers they will qualify for the playoffs through the second wildcard opportunity. It will be second straight berth in the second round by them. They reached and played a game in the playoffs in 2011.
The Steelers have a chance to come into the race with the Bengals if they beat the visitors this weekend. In that case the situation will be at 8-7 points each on the board. The final game of the season then should decide who is through to the second round.
Although the Steelers are still very much in the race for the playoffs, the chance for them, as compared with the Bengals, is more difficult.
A particular worry for them is the number of injuries they have been suffering during the entire course of the season. Their offensive line is as much depleted as defensive line. With quarterback Byron Leftwich still out, they are reliant upon offence leader QB Ben Roethlisberger and veteran Charlie Batch as his backup.
Moreover, Ben is 0-2 at starts since returning from rib and shoulder injuries, which made him sit three straight games on the sideline. So, if he is unable to find his lost form, the Steelers are set to face more worries on the field. Their recent loss to the Cowboys itself was a surprise for many.
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