5 reasons Pittsburgh Steelers will still make the playoffs

Oct 16, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) attempts a pass against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Hard Rock Stadium. The Miami Dolphins defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers 30-15. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

3 of 5

Oct 2, 2016; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Cameron Heyward (97) celebrates his sack of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith (11) during the second half at Heinz Field. The Steelers won the game, 43-14. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Timely Bye Week

Even if the Steelers lose in Week 7, it has been mentioned that this team can make the playoffs from 4-3. This sets the Steelers up with what should be an extremely timely bye, aside from giving Roethlisberger an extra week.

This bye week gives Cameron Heyward an extra week. Heyward pulled his hamstring in Week 5 and missed the loss to the Miami Dolphins. He still leads the team in sacks this season and is clearly their best player on that side of the ball. The Steelers have a rookie in Javon Hargrave who now has two weeks to be a starter, then take the bye week to rest up, learn from what he has done, and come back in as a rotational pass rusher and a starting nose tackle.

Speaking of rookies, Artie Burns is starting to see a lot of playing time. He showed the growing pains of a rookie against the Miami Dolphins, and will enter the bye week with two real starts under his belt, and a chance to grow from it. Mike Mitchell and Robert Golden have both been banged up this season and should get to full strength with the bye week. Bud Dupree will be eligible to come off the IR in Week 8 and, who knows, maybe Ryan Shazier can use that time to get himself back into shape.

On the offensive side of the ball, the return of Ladarius Green seems to be set all set for their week 9 bout with the Baltimore Ravens. Sammie Coates has a hand issue, and Markus Wheaton has been injured as well, and the bye will be key for both of them.

Karlos Williams is also a name to watch from the practice squad. He is a guy who scored nine touchdowns in 2015 as a rookie, and with time to learn the playbook and weeks to get in shape, he may enter Week 9 as a potential goal line back. To implement those names into the offense with the bye week is going to be all that Todd Haley needs to navigate two or three games with Landry Jones.

Home/NFL