NFL Wildcard Games Contenders: Pittsburgh Steelers

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NFL Wildcard Games Contenders

Pittsburgh Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the NFL Wildcard Games with a 10-7 record, seeking to break a four-game losing streak that has dampened the optimism of their strong start. Their early-season dominance, including victories over the Falcons, Broncos, and Chargers, set a high bar, but losses to the Colts and Cowboys hinted at inconsistency. 

Despite rebounding with a 4-1 run after the bye week, the Steelers closed the season with defeats to the Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs, and Bengals, leaving significant questions about their postseason prospects.

Late-Season Struggles Highlight Offensive Issues

The Steelers’ offense sputtered in their season finale against the Bengals, managing only 193 total yards and 3.3 yards per play—their second-worst output of the year. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw for just 148 yards and a touchdown, while Najee Harris was limited to 36 rushing yards and a score. 

Star wide receiver George Pickens contributed only one catch for zero yards despite six targets, plagued by drops. Pittsburgh’s ground-heavy game plan, which produced only 58 yards on 20 carries through three quarters, failed to capitalize on the Bengals’ vulnerable defense.

A Disconnect Between Identity and Execution

Pittsburgh’s commitment to a physical, run-first identity has been evident under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, but execution has lagged. The Steelers rank seventh-worst in the NFL in rushing efficiency, averaging 4.1 yards per carry, despite running the ball at the third-highest rate in the league. 

They are last in yards per play on first downs (4.5), and their struggles in short-yardage situations were apparent in Week 18, when they converted only 54.5 percent of fourth-and-1 attempts.

Defensive Inconsistencies Compound Problems

Defensively, the Steelers have shown flashes of brilliance but faltered in key moments during their losing streak. Against the Bengals, Pittsburgh allowed a struggling Cincinnati offense to capitalize on missed opportunities, including a costly fourth-down failure that handed the Bengals a critical field goal. 

While the defense has been capable of stifling opponents earlier in the season, their recent performances have been underwhelming, creating additional pressure on the offense.

Trends and Player Props to Watch

The Steelers have excelled as road underdogs following divisional losses, winning six of their last seven in such situations. Najee Harris has been a consistent red-zone threat, scoring touchdowns in five of his previous six January games against AFC North opponents.

 George Pickens has also been productive as a road underdog, recording 74 or more total yards in his last three appearances. However, to succeed in the postseason, Pittsburgh must improve its offensive efficiency and rediscover the complementary football that defined their best performances earlier in the year.

A Reset for the Postseason

Russell Wilson emphasized the importance of resetting for the playoffs, framing it as a “new season” where every team starts 0-0. The Steelers must adopt this mindset to compete against a formidable Ravens squad in the Wildcard Round. 

With significant questions about their ability to execute on both sides of the ball, Pittsburgh’s playoff success hinges on overcoming their late-season struggles and rediscovering the balance that led to their midseason surge.

The stakes are high as the Steelers aim to avoid another early playoff exit, but their resilience and history as underdogs offer a glimmer of hope for fans and bettors alike. For those exploring NFL Wildcard Betting, Pittsburgh’s divisional match-up trends and January games provide intriguing angles in what promises to be a high-stakes contest.