Former NFL linebacker LaVar Arrington believes the Pittsburgh Steelers would benefit from losing their Week 18 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. He argues that both teams lack the strength to succeed in the playoffs, making an early exit preferable to a disappointing postseason loss. The game decides the AFC North title, with the Steelers' recent defeat to the Cleveland Browns putting their division lead at risk.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' hold on the AFC North title hangs by a thread entering Week 18, following a loss to the Cleveland Browns that has allowed the Baltimore Ravens to close the gap. A Ravens victory in this pivotal contest would eliminate the Steelers from playoff contention. However, LaVar Arrington, a former NFL linebacker, expressed skepticism about both teams' postseason prospects during his appearance on the "2 Pros and a Cup of Joe" podcast.
"I don’t have confidence that either one of these teams can do well in the playoffs," Arrington stated. He likened the situation to "a big ass scab on it," suggesting that losing now would be less painful than a quick playoff elimination. "I’d rather get the scab pulled off now. Just get it out of the way," he added.
Arrington further elaborated that a lackluster playoff performance would invite harsher scrutiny than missing the postseason altogether, especially against a divisional rival. "I would rather lose that game than lose in the playoffs," he concluded.
The Steelers began the season with Super Bowl aspirations, yet their campaign has been marked by missed opportunities to secure the division lead. This scenario echoes last year's late collapse, when they surrendered first place to the Ravens despite a strong midseason position. Missing the playoffs this time, after offseason roster enhancements, would amplify frustrations in Pittsburgh.
While the Steelers do not appear poised to win a playoff game currently, no AFC team stands out as flawless. Both the Steelers and Ravens remain determined to advance, setting the stage for a fierce Week 18 battle. The outcome will determine which squad earns a postseason opportunity and which faces an abrupt end to its season.
