Will 10 wins be enough for Steelers to win AFC North?
PITTSBURGH — With a somewhat disappointing 4-3 record at their bye week, the Steelers still sit atop the AFC North with nine games remaining and still are favorites to win the division.
That last part won’t be easy though.
Since its inception in 2002, the AFC North has never been won with nine victories and has been won with 10 wins just four times (Baltimore in 2003 and ’12, Pittsburgh in ’07 and Cincinnati in ’09).
This could be the fifth year 10 wins does it, but — more than likely — it will require 11 wins to lay claim to the division title and 10 to cement a wild-card spot.
To win the division, the Steelers would have to win seven of their last nine games. Given what we’ve seen from the Steelers, that might not be realistic but not impossible if they’re at full health.
Looking at the rest of the Steelers’ schedule, there are just two games that are slam dunks: Both games against winless Cleveland. But, obviously, the Steelers will win more than just those two games against the Browns. Of their final nine games, the Steelers have just three against teams that currently have winning records. Then again, given the Steelers’ proclivity of losing to lesser teams, anything’s possible.
Cincinnati, which has won the division two of the last three years and is seen as the biggest threat to the Steelers, is just 3-4. While some computer metrics suggest Cincinnati has an easy schedule the rest of the way, six of its final nine games come against teams with winning records. Baltimore, who the Steelers will face next week at M&T Bank Stadium, have lost four in a row and have four games remaining against teams with winning records, including both games against Pittsburgh.
That should bode well for the Steelers. Here, Times Steelers Writer Chris Bradford looks at the rest of the Steelers’ schedule and which games they should win and why:
Week 9: at BALTIMORE (3-4)
Why they’ll win: After three straight losses and eight of 11 to Baltimore, the Steelers are long overdue for a win. They’ve never lost four in a row to the Ravens.
Why they won’t: If Ben Roethlisberger’s surgically repaired knee doesn’t allow him to play, this game becomes a toss-up at M&T.
Week 10: vs. DALLAS (5-1)
Why they’ll win: In a game between iconic franchises, it’s hard to see the Steelers losing at home. The Steelers can’t lose two games to rookie QBs this season.
Why they won’t: Ezekiel Elliott was the NFL’s leading rusher entering Week 8 and is averaging 117.2 yards per game. Against a suspect run defense, Elliott could do some real damage.
Week 11: at CLEVELAND (0-7)
Why they’ll win: Roethlisberger is 20-2 in his career at Cleveland and the Browns are brutally bad.
Why they won’t: The Steelers have been unimpressive in last two games at Cleveland, going 1-1 and being outscored by a combined 43-38.
Week 12: at INDIANAPOLIS (3-4)
Why they’ll win: The Steelers have won their last three vs. the Colts, including each of the past two seasons while averaging 45 points per game.
Why they won’t: A Thanksgiving night game that the whole country will be watching, Andrew Luck and the Colts aren’t going to go embarrass themselves.
Week 13: vs. N.Y. GIANTS (4-3)
Why they’ll win: Roethlisberger is 2-1 in his personal rivalry with Eli Manning, and Antonio Brown isn’t about to be shown up by Odell Beckham Jr.
Why they won’t: The Giants have been schizophrenic this season, but they have a knack for pulling out big wins.
Week 14: at BUFFALO (4-3)
Why they’ll win: With Le’Veon Bell, the Steelers should be able to run the ball despite what should be winter weather in Orchard Park.
Why they won’t: The Bills have been a pleasant surprise and if they’re fighting for their first playoff berth in 17 years, expect a very tough game from a Rex Ryan team.
Week 15: at CINCINNATI (3-4)
Why they’ll win: Barring another suspension, Vontaze Burfict will be back, and the Steelers would love nothing more than to beat the Bengals one more time.
Why they won’t: How realistic is it that the Steelers sweep a season series from Cincinnati for the second time in three years?
Week 16: vs. BALTIMORE (3-4)
Why they’ll win: Even if Baltimore wins in Week 8, what are the chances that the Steelers will be swept in a season series in back-to-back years?
Why they won’t: Joe Flacco feels quite at home at Heinz Field. The Baltimore QB has won four of his last six in Pittsburgh.
Week 17: vs. CLEVELAND (0-7)
Why they’ll win: As they were last season, the Steelers could find themselves playing for a playoff berth or higher seeding in the regular-season finale against the Browns. No way they lose this one.
Why they won’t: The Cavaliers won the NBA title, the Indians are in the World Series. The Browns aren’t going to become the fifth winless team in NFL history. Not against the Steelers.