Pittsburgh Steelers playoffs scenarios after Week 18 win over Ravens

The Steelers did their part, Saturday, knocking off the Ravens in Baltimore for their 10th win of the season. But they might not know until late Sunday if they make the post season.

Here’s what now has to happen for Pittsburgh to make the post-season. If either the Jaguars or the Bills lose their regular season finales, then the Steelers are in. Jacksonville plays at the Tennessee Titans. Meanwhile, the Bills travel to Miami for a prime-time date against the Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium.

Or, if Saturday night, the Texans and Colts end in a tie, then the Steelers head to the post season.

The Steelers were very on brand, Saturday, at M&B Bank Stadium in Baltimore. The weather was nasty, with rain and temperatures in the 30s. They used a 71-yard pass from Mason Rudolph to Diontae Johnson early in the fourth quarter to take the lead. Then they relied on a smash-mouth running game late to burn more than four minutes off the clock before Chris Boswell kicked a 25-yard field goal to take a 10-point lead with 3:13 to go. The final score was 17-10.

Steelers beat a Ravens team without Lamar Jackson

The Steelers benefitted from the Ravens having already clinched the top seed in the AFC post season. Baltimore coach John Harbaugh elected to rest quarterback Lamar Jackson, the likely NFL MVP, and several other key players. Tyler “Snoop” Huntley replaced Jackson at quarterback.

However, as excited as the Steelers were to place themselves in position for the playoffs, they may be without one of their stars if they make it to wildcard weekend. Superstar pass rusher T.J. Watt, moments after he picked up his second sack of the game, suffered an apparent knee injury. Watt walked to the lockerroom unaided. But the medical team quickly ruled him out for the rest of the game.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Watt sprained his MCL. He wanted to go back into the game, but team doctors would not allow him to do so.

Steelers linebacker Markus Golden made a key sack of Huntley with 45 seconds to go to thwart the Ravens final drive. After the sack, Baltimore settled for a short Justin Tucker field goal.