Path to playoffs is simple: Win and in
The Steelers’ victory last Sunday in Cincinnati was a big one.
By beating the Bengals, the Steelers kept their chances of winning the AFC North in their own hands. They don’t need to rely on other teams to win or lose.
It doesn’t matter what the Bengals – who close their season Dec. 28 at Pittsburgh – Baltimore or Cleveland do. If the Steelers win their final three games, they will be AFC North champions.
By beating the Bengals last week, they picked up an important third AFC North victory. The best the Ravens can do is match them at three wins.
If they both finish 11-5, the Steelers will win the division based on a better conference record.
The Steelers also are currently 7-3 against AFC teams, another key tiebreaker.
But the Steelers don’t plan on having to worry about tiebreakers. It’s win and they’re in.
And the Atlanta Falcons present the next challenge.
Much like the New Orleans Saints, who defeated the Steelers 35-32 two weeks ago, Atlanta has a dangerous offense.
But the Saints also could run the ball effectively. And it was their running game that opened up the passing game.
The Falcons’ ground game is not nearly as dangerous. Leading rusher Steven Jackson is not the Steven Jackson of old.
Defensively, the Falcons are worse than the Saints.
Atlanta is the only team in the NFL allowing more than 400 yards per game. And while the Steelers struggled to score points in their first five road games, they have put up 69 points in their last two.
This game also is more meaningful for the Steelers. If Atlanta loses, the Falcons can still win the NFC South with victories in their final two games, which come against the Saints and Panthers.
Because of that, Atlanta might be a little cautious with star wide receiver Julio Jones, who left the game Monday at Green Bay with a hip injury and did not practice all week. Jones is questionable to play, and with a pair of more meaningful games upcoming, the Falcons could be inclined to sit their star receiver.
The Steelers are 1½-point favorites and should find a way to win a shootout.
Take Pittsburgh, 41-34
The Patriots, who lost to Miami earlier in the season, can clinch the AFC East with a win.
Take New England, 34-21
The Jets are favored on the road? I don’t see it.
Take Tennessee, 17-14
Peyton Manning has not played well the past few weeks.
Take San Diego to cover in a 27-24 loss
As Luck would have it, the Colts can wrap up the AFC South with a win. It won’t be easy.
Take Houston to cover in a 30-24 loss
Marvin Lewis insulted Johnny Manziel earlier in the week. His team will insult Manziel on the field.
Take Cincinnati, 24-13
Aaron Rodgers is playing better than any QB in the league.
Take Green Bay, 31-23
49ers QB Colin Kaepernick hasn’t thrown a TD pass in the fourth quarter.
Take Seattle, 27-14
A win would give the Eagles a sweep of the Cowboys, who are 6-0 on the road.
Take Philadelphia, 27-23
Two teams going nowhere who will have new head coaches in a couple of weeks.
Take Washington to cover in a 24-17 loss
The Lions are closing on a playoff berth.
Take Detroit, 23-13
The Ravens should take care of business.
Take Baltimore, 30-13
The Chiefs don’t score enough to blow out any team.
Take Oakland to cover in a 24-16 loss
Da Bears are in complete implosion mode.
Take New Orleans, 26-20
Derek Anderson starts at QB for Carolina in place of Cam Newton.
Take Tampa Bay, 17-13
Last week: ATS: 6-8-1; Straight up: 10-5
Overall: ATS: 90-99-2; Straight up: 125-68
F. Dale Lolley can be reached at dlolley@observer-reporter.com.