The NFL unleashed a brutal December schedule for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a 10-day they welcome a relentless parade of championship-caliber opponents. Week 15 kicks off a against the surging Eagles, then division-rival Ravens, and finally the defending champion Chiefs.
These crucial matchups will shape the Steelers’ playoff destiny and show whether they are true contenders or not. Their game plan will be put to the ultimate test against some of the NFL’s elite teams.
4 divisional games in 4 weeks for the @steelers 🔥 pic.twitter.com/KyA1VhPiFB
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 9, 2024
whoever made this 10 day schedule for the steelers needs to be arrested pic.twitter.com/PlAbU9RE02
— chris (@1017wrld) December 8, 2024
Eagles’ Dominant Win Streak
Philadelphia sporting an eye-popping 11-2 record, have been explosive all year. 342 points tell only part of the story – their perfect 3-0 division record and road warrior mentality (6-1 away from home) paint the full picture of their dominance, with running back Saquon Barkley leading the offense with an MVP caliber season.
Ravens’ AFC North Showdown Stakes
It’s never easy to beat a team twice. Especially when it’s an AFC North matchup. Baltimore’s offense has already piled up 383 points, terrorizing AFC North defenses. Their 8-5 record might not tell the whole story, but make no mistake – this rivalry clash could shape the entire AFC North race down the stretch.
Chiefs’ Championship Pedigree
Kansas City’s rules the AFC with a 12-1 record on their quest for the three-peat. Andy Reid’s red machine keeps rolling, perfect at home with a pristine 7-0 record. Championship DNA courses through their veins, and the one thing the Steelers have in their favor is their home crowd. Even though they sit on top of the AFC, they have had several close calls. Over their past three games, they’ve won by an average margin of 2.3 points, many Steelers fans see this December being the time to strike the defending champs.
Steelers defensive rankings through week 14, pending MNF:
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) December 9, 2024
EPA/play: 5th
Success rate: 12th
Dropback EPA: 3rd
Dropback success rate: 12th
Rushing EPA: 12th
Rushing success rate: 18th
Points per drive: 6th
Through 13 games, the Steelers have scored 323 points this season.
— The Steelers n'at (@thesteelersnat) December 9, 2024
The last two seasons they scored 308 and 304 total in 17 games.
Say what you will about Arthur Smith, but the team is putting points on the board.
Steelers’ Path to Playoff Security
Numbers don’t lie – the Steelers’ 10-3 record speaks volumes about their dominance and overall improvement. Pittsburgh remains a place for significant home-field advantage (5-1), but they maintain their resilience on the road (5-2). That level of composure will be needed in two of the most hostile crowds the Steelers will face going to Philadelphia and Baltimore.
Vegas odds makers and number crunchers agree – the Steelers’ playoff probability sits at a commanding 99%. That also includes a 52% chance to welcome playoff football to Pittsburgh, 30% likelihood of road wildcard game and the slim 4% shot at the coveted first-round bye. Every snap in this three-game crucible shapes Pittsburgh’s playoff path. Home field advantage hangs in the balance and mathematically in reach. Those division and conference records will be the ultimate ammunition for tiebreaker battles ahead.
Critical Matchup Challenges
Philadelphia’s Defensive Front
The Eagles dominate on defense thanks to their powerful front seven. Their run defense is commanding, only allowing 4.3 yards per carry. The Eagles’ defensive pressure keeps opposing offenses off balance.
Key defensive metrics for the Eagles:
- 29.2% first down conversion rate on rushing attempts
- 22 rushing touchdowns allowed through Week 14
- Top-5 ranking in quarterback pressures
Baltimore’s Ground Game
The Ravens run the ball better than any team in the NFL. Their ground game has racked up an impressive 2,661 rushing yards, split mostly between Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson. The Ravens’ success comes from their varied running schemes and quick execution.
Their rushing attack features:
- League-leading 4.9 yards per carry average
- 26 rushing touchdowns through Week 14
- 144 first downs gained on the ground
Kansas City’s Offensive Firepower
Andy Reid’s Chiefs continue to find ways to win. Kansas City’s offense stays true to its reputation for being reliable and making the key plays. Their offensive unit stands among the league’s finest with 227.6 passing yards per game.
Patrick Mahomes guides an offense that shines in:
- 52% third-down conversion rate (1st in NFL)
- 338.2 total yards per game
- Exceptional red zone efficiency
The Steelers’ defense needs to adjust and not let Mahomes escape the pocket. This is the only time their pass defense has found themselves vulnerable. The latest example being Jameis Winston’s 35-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy.
Is Mike Tomlin the best coach in all of sports?
— Sunday Night Football on NBC (@SNFonNBC) December 8, 2024
His QB1 says yes. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/fQAkXjXRaN
The highest-graded Steelers in Week 14 vs the Browns:
— PFF PIT Steelers (@PFF_Steelers) December 9, 2024
🥇 Jaylen Warren - 86.3
🥈 Keeanu Benton - 85.6
🥉 Alex Highsmith - 84.6
🏅 Patrick Queen - 82.6
🏅 Elandon Roberts - 79.6 pic.twitter.com/ntAQj33yik
Keys to Surviving the Stretch
Continue Running the Football Well
The Steelers’ ground game has become the life-blood of their success. Their rushing attack has accumulated 1,717 total yards through Week 14. A balanced offense with 438 rushing attempts helps them control significant situations.
Win the Turnover Battle
Ball security defines the Steelers’ strength this season. The team leads the NFL with remarkable turnover numbers:
- Plus-17 turnover differential
- Only 4 fumbles lost on offense
- 15 defensive takeaways
This disciplined style pays off in close games. Every extra possession counts. The defense has created opportunities while the offense has protected the ball.
Do Not Settle for Field Goals
The team needs better red zone efficiency. The Steelers’ offense converts only 44.4% of red zone opportunities into touchdowns, ranking 30th in the NFL. Both Mike Tomlin and Arthur Smith stress the need to finish drives with touchdowns. Field goals have been reliable with 36 of 39 successful attempts. Field goals alone won’t be enough against high-scoring teams like the Eagles, Ravens, and Chiefs.
The upcoming schedule requires maximum scoring output. Especially if each finds and early rhythm. If it turns into a shootout like the game in Cincinnati, they have to be prepared for that as well. Although it may not serve their best interests in terms of controlling the clock, but it will have to remain in their back-pocket. The most effective way to keeping elite offenses in check is by controlling the clock and playing keep away.
Under the Microscope
The Steelers face their biggest test yet – a brutal 10-day stretch that could make or break their playoff hopes. Philadelphia brings a nine-game win streak and a fierce defensive front to the field. The Ravens pose a threat with their top-ranked ground game and intense division rivalry, while Kansas City caps off this gauntlet with their championship pedigree and explosive offense.
The Steelers need three things to succeed in this tough stretch. Their running game must stay strong against these powerful defenses. They should protect the ball well and build on their NFL-best turnover margin. Most importantly, they have to score more in the red zone when they face these high-scoring teams. These matchups will show if the Steelers are real Super Bowl contenders. How they perform against elite teams will determine their playoff position and chances at the division title. While controlling their AFC North destiny, the Steelers have a great chance to prove they belong among the NFL’s best.
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