5 NFL teams that must win in Week 16

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 09: Head coach Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on from the sidelines against the Oakland Raiders during an NFL football game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 9, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 02: Antonio Brown #84 of the Pittsburgh Steelers reacts after a 28 yard touchdown reception in the second quarter during the game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Heinz Field on December 2, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Joe Sargent/Getty Images) /

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

I know that I mentioned in the previous slide that the Ravens need the Steelers to lose, but the Steelers need to win desperately this weekend to keep hold of their top spot in the division.

The Steelers have had their ups and downs just like every team, but they simply have too much talent to not play during the playoffs. Fans want to see Antonio Brown and Big Ben airing it out come January, but there is a chance that the Steelers miss out for the first time since 2013.

Obviously the injury to running back James Conner has stung, but the Steelers have more than enough talent to make up for his absence. Losing to the Raiders was a blunder, but Big Ben missed most of the second half.

With the final two games on their slate being away at New Orleans and home against Cincinnati, most people would imagine them going 1-1. The reality is they need to win out to secure the AFC North title.

A win over the Saints won’t be enough to secure their spot. To win the division, the Steelers need to win and the Ravens need to lose. To simply clinch a playoff berth, the Steelers need a win combined with the Titans and Colts both losing.

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With their playoff aspirations hanging in the balance, expect Big Ben and company to flip the switch and come out laser focused.

Their win over the Patriots last week was huge and was surely a huge confidence booster. If the Steelers defeat the NFC leading Saints they will be well on their way to representing the AFC North in the playoffs.