Following their 13-6 Week 17 loss to the Cleveland Browns—detailed in prior coverage—the Pittsburgh Steelers (9-7) now tie the Ravens (8-8) atop the AFC North. A must-win in Week 18 against Baltimore is required for the No. 4 seed, with a tough Wild Card road likely against the Texans or Bills.
The Steelers' offense, led by Aaron Rodgers (21/39, 168 yards), was stymied without suspended WR DK Metcalf and injured Calvin Austin III, managing 219 yards and 0-for-3 on fourth downs. A late goal-line stand by Cleveland, featuring Myles Garrett (one sack, heavily schemed against), sealed the win.
"They were more worried about keeping me away from Aaron than getting the win," Garrett noted, while coach Mike Tomlin called it standard scheming. Rodgers remained defiant: "We've got to get this win against Baltimore."
Pittsburgh's path steepens: victory over surging Ravens secures the division; defeat ends their season. The AFC No. 5 seed pits the North winner against Houston (11-5, 73% odds per markets, previously beat Steelers 30-6) or Buffalo (11-5, Week 13 winner over Pittsburgh). Houston's defense (Will Anderson Jr., Danielle Hunter) dominated the Colts last week. The stakes elevate the finale under Tomlin's postseason streak.
