First thing’s first: the Steelers’ clash on Sunday against the 5-9 Jets is key for keeping the team in a postseason spot.
As is, the Steelers hold the sixth spot in the AFC over the Tennessee Titans, who are also 8-6. The Steelers are in pole position to keep that spot with a win over the Jets, as they currently hold a 5-3 conference record compared to Tennessee’s 4-3 tally. The Steelers’ final two games are intra-conference, against the Jets this Sunday and against the Ravens in week 17. The Titans face the Saints this week, leaving next week’s trip to Houston as their only remaining AFC game.