2014 NFL Playoffs: Ranking The Playoff Field
By Evan Massey
9. Pittsburgh Steelers
Le’Veon Bell and the Pittsburgh Steelers made it into the NFL Playoffs as the third seed thanks to a big Sunday Night Football win over the Cincinnati Bengals. Unfortunately, Bell himself might be in danger of missing the Steelers’ wildcard game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a hyperextended knee that he suffered against the Bengals.
Without him on the field, they aren’t going to be a shell of the team that won the third seed in the AFC. Bell has been a workhorse for the Steelers all season long, compiling 1,361 yards and eight touchdowns.
Perhaps the biggest loss would come for quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, who is having a huge season thanks to the rushing support. He has thrown for 4,952 yards and 32 touchdowns on the season, and has looked better than he has in years.
Pittsburgh has a chance to get things together and make a run at the Super Bowl, but they’ll need their star running back on the field. They have a fairly favorable matchup with the Ravens at home in the wildcard round, but would have to travel to Denver to face the Broncos in the second round if they win. It’s not going to be easy, but they do have a shot.
Next: 8. Indianapolis Colts