Seattle (Week 17)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have continued work through the week preparing for their matchup against Seattle on Sunday. The injury report has been stable and has not provided much in terms of changing things dramatically; however, it looks like Minkah Fitzpatrick is probably going to be an “OUT” on Sunday unless he starts practicing on Friday, December 29th. It seems that the Steelers plan to keep Kenny Pickett listed as “limited” and thus sets up Mason’s second opportunity to start this week. As I mentioned on this week’s podcast episode, I am ok with either as long as one of them plays the way the did against Cincinnati this year. I think the Steelers match up very well agains Seattle and this is a perfect opportunity for them to build a ton of momentum going into week 18. After reviewing the playoff race, I stand firm with my optimism that I shared a few weeks ago. The scenarios are all there for a Steelers 7 or 6 seed. The teams playing good football right now (LV, Miami, Balt, Clev) could very reasonably beat those that are struggling. The Colts and the Texans play each other in week 18 thus guaranteeing a loss or tie by a team the Steelers need to stop at 8 or 9 wins. All of this sets up for a huge game in Seattle. Even though “technically” they do not control their own destiny as they “need help,” with the playoff scenarios being what they are, I think its in “reality” the opposite. The Steelers must win Sunday, and if they do, their playoff chances rise dramatically (both in frequent predictors and in reality). After 3 losses in a row, most people counted the Steelers out. With 2 wins they could be back in the conversation and draw a matchup that suits them in the Wild Card round. They just need to go out and win this game first.

Go Steelers.