5 NFL teams that must win in Week 17

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

The Steelers had their opportunity to control their playoff destiny last week, and they let it slip away. As the result of a disastrous loss to the previously 5-9 New York Jets, the Steelers now need help to return to the postseason.

The problem in that game was inept quarterback play, with Devlin “Duck” Hodges getting benched after throwing two interceptions early on. Mason Rudolph replaced him and was more effective before getting injured, forcing Hodges back into the game.

It will be Hodges’ show now that Rudolph has landed on IR with his shoulder injury, and the Steelers need Houston to beat Tennessee to give them a chance to grab that second Wild Card spot in the AFC. It is unclear how motivated Houston will be to play in this game since they are guaranteed to be playing next weekend, meaning we could see cameo appearances from stars like Deshaun Watson and DeAndre Hopkins

Regardless of what happens with the Texans, the Steelers have to win in order to even make the playoffs a possibility. A matchup with the Ravens, who defeated Pittsburgh early in the season, may not look promising but there is reason for optimism if you are a Steelers’ fan.

Baltimore has already locked up home field throughout the AFC playoffs, and head coach John Harbaugh indicated key players like Lamar Jackson won’t be suiting up this week. The Ravens will be treating this contest like a preseason game, which is good for the Steelers, who need to win or else their season is over.