As the Steelers head into Week 15, the games around the league matter almost as much as what happens on the field, as teams on the brink will be scoreboard watching. Playoff races are tightening, and a few key results could make Pittsburgh’s path a whole lot smoother.
If you’re a Steelers fan watching football on Sunday, here’s who you should be rooting for — and why.
The biggest thing to keep in mind is this: the AFC North is still very much in play. Helping the Steelers win the division should be the top priority, even more than Wild Card positioning.
Key Games to Watch
Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
This is the big one. Steelers fans should be firmly in the Bengals’ corner. A Cincinnati win keeps Baltimore from gaining ground in the AFC North and gives Pittsburgh more breathing room at the top. A Bengals win makes it much easier for the Steelers to control their own destiny in the division.
Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots
Root for the Patriots here. Buffalo is one of the teams the Steelers don’t want climbing up the playoff seeding. A Bills loss keeps them from pulling away and helps Pittsburgh stay in the mix for better positioning if they are forced into the Wild Card route.
New York Jets at Jacksonville Jaguars
Cheer for the Jets. A Jaguars loss can help the Steelers close the gap in the seeding race, which could mean a more favorable matchup if Pittsburgh ends up playing on Wild Card weekend.
Cleveland Browns at Chicago Bears
This one comes with a little extra spice. You want the Browns to lose, plain and simple. At the same time, it wouldn’t hurt if Myles Garrett stays quiet in the sack column, so T.J. Watt’s spot atop the sack record stays safe. A Bears win checks both boxes nicely.