Observer-Reporter forum

dick · Journeyman Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 3134

One of three scenarios must play out in order for the Steelers to make the playoffs. Notice in all cases the Steelers must, first and foremost, WIN.

1) Steelers win and Houston loses or ties, and New York Jets lose or tie

2) Steelers win and Houston loses or ties and Baltimore loses or ties.

3) Steelers win and New York Jets lose or tie and Baltimore loses or ties and Denver loses or ties.

New England is @ Houston. The odds makers have NE +7, so they obviously think the Pats will be resting starters such as Brady and Moss. The Pats have locked up the AFC East, homefield in the first round, and do not have an opportunity for the bye.

The Jets play Cincy in a game that was just moved to Sunday night. The odds makers are giving Cincy +9, which means... the same as above.

Baltimore is @ the Radiers who have beat the Steelers, Bengals, Broncos, and Eagles this year. Then again, they just got crushed this week by the Browns.

And Denver plays Kansas City, who have been playing very well since dropping the cancer that is Larry Johnson.
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Cylinsier · Master Joined: 29 Sep 2008 Posts: 13229 Location: Oh shi-

I could see both Houston and NYJ losing if their opponents play competitively, but since both are basically locked into their seeds, it is likely they will rest starters at least in the second half. Its a bit tricky to expect both of them to lose. Houston is dead to rights, so they might not bring their A game, but the Jets still have a shot at post-season, so expect them to play inspired.

No chance in hell Baltimore loses. Sorry Stillers fans. Denver...I could see that happening. While I disagree that KC has been playing "well," (I'd call it mediocre at best), Denver completely fell off. They are useless. Of course, Denver doesn't matter if Baltimore wins, so that's moot.

IMO, the Steeler's best shot is:

1) Bellychit plays full throttle in the first half to keep his guys fresh (not at all far fetched) and they get out to such a big lead that Houston rolls over; the NE system typically allows second-stringers to play pretty competently as well.

and

2) Natti takes a similar approach, plays the first half to stay fresh (less likely; recall the perils of Palmer and knee injuries), and the Jets drop an egg. For this game to stand a chance of going Pitt's way, Natti needs to start first string for at least 2 quarters, get a decent lead, and give the Jets fits when they possess the ball.

So basically, the Steelers need to be calling Natti's D and telling them they'll take them out to dinner and movie if they win their next game.
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dick · Journeyman Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 3134

Rumor is that Troy might play.

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dick · Journeyman Joined: 28 Jan 2009 Posts: 3134

Or not...... I guess we'll have to patiently wait. Sorry, I like to get excited.