With the disappointing loss in New Orleans, the Steelers are now in second place in the Division (tie-breaker going to the Ravens) a position with which, prior to the start of the regular season, most Steelers fans would have been pleased. Overall five AFC teams now have 5-2 records (Steelers, Ravens, Jets, Colts, and Chiefs) with the Patriots the lone team at 6-1, the best record in the NFL.
Looking ahead the Steelers final nine games (five at Heinz Field) appear to lend themselves to a very achievable 12-4 or at least an 11-5 record: Cincinnati, New England (H), Oakland (H), Buffalo, Baltimore, Cincinnati (H), NY Jets (H), Carolina (H), and Cleveland. The Division and Conference games are musts, as is the meeting with New England, since it is the only chance the Steelers have to directly get back in the hunt for the first round playoff bye. Otherwise they depend on help from others. In the long run it still may not be possible to chase down New England as the second half of their schedule is even more favorable than that of the Steelers.
Next week's game with Cincinnati IS a must win as the Steelers already have one loss in their division and, after losing to New Orleans, need momentum going into the game with New England the following week. After New England only two tough opponents follow in the final six games (Baltimore--another must win--and New York Jets). It is very possible that the Division title and a first round bye could come down to a win in Cleveland, where the Steelers lost last season. So, barring key injuries, in the final nine games I predict a 7-2 record, with wins over New England and Baltimore, for a 12-4 regular season finish.
I got in trouble last season counting "wins" looking ahead in the schedule. Hopefully, the Steelers defense will continue to play well and save us from a repeat of the horrendous endings of five games last season.
No comments:
Post a Comment