Latest NFL news throws cold water on Steelers playoff chances

The Steelers will need help if they are going to make it to the playoffs.  There are a plethora of scenarios that can vault Pittsburgh to the postseason, but a win against the Ravens, and help from Miami via a win over Buffalo is the easiest path to the playoffs.  Well, following some unfortunate injury […]

Rob Gregson NFL News Writer
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Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) and Pittsburgh Steelers running back Jaylen Warren (30) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

The Steelers will need help if they are going to make it to the playoffs. 

There are a plethora of scenarios that can vault Pittsburgh to the postseason, but a win against the Ravens, and help from Miami via a win over Buffalo is the easiest path to the playoffs. 

Well, following some unfortunate injury luck, the latter just got a lot harder:

Dolphins to be without Bradley Chubb, Xavien Howard vs. Bills

With the division title on the line, the Miami Dolphins are going to be without two of their top defenders via Bradley Chubb and Xavien Howard as they prepare to take on a red-hot Bills offense. 

To be clear, there are multiple scenarios for Pittsburgh when it comes to the playoffs. 

However, the most likely, or easiest path to the postseason is a Dolphins win, after the Steelers take care of business in Baltimore, even if that may be harder than it seemed initially following some comments from Ravens coach John Harbaugh. 

Controlling what you can control is a big part of football. And now, the only thing Pittsburgh can control is whether or not they beat the Ravens. Their shot at controlling their own destiny went out the window when they dropped three straight to the Cardinals, Patriots, and Colts. 

So with Pittsburgh slated as the first game of Week 18, and the Dolphins playing in the last, it's liable to be a long 36 hours in Pittsburgh.