Talk about standards dropping. Most years, the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to compete for the division crown. Even in 2023, a year where the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals were considered favorites, the Steelers were a trendy sleeper team to push them throughout the season. When the NFL dropped its calendar in May, it felt like the Pittsburgh/Baltimore Week 18 regular season finale would mean a lot to both sides.
Now, that game might just matter solely so the Steelers can avoid fourth place in the AFC North. Sitting in last place in the division this late in the season just doesn’t happen to Pittsburgh.