Key Wins and Milestones
The Steelers' path to 9-6 featured standout victories, including a 29-24 road win at Detroit in Week 16, where their defense shone and offense executed clutch plays. This triumph not only boosted their record but also etched history with Tomlin's 200th win and the league's longest non-losing streak.
Earlier, a 23-9 domination of the Cleveland Browns in Week 6 extended their home winning streak against Cleveland to 22 games. Aaron Rodgers threw for key touchdowns to Connor Heyward and DK Metcalf, while the defense stifled the Browns' rookie quarterback Dillon Gabriel.
A 21-14 upset at New England in Week 3 marked their first win there since 2008, with Rodgers' late touchdown to Calvin Austin III sealing it amid five forced turnovers.
AFC North Lead and Playoff Push
At 9-6, Pittsburgh leads the AFC North ahead of the Browns, Bengals, and Ravens, positioning them for a potential division crown and playoff berth. Their 8-7 against-the-spread record shows consistent betting value.
Recent form includes wins over Miami (28-15) and Cincinnati (34-12), offsetting losses like 25-35 to Green Bay. With a favorable final stretch, experts predict 11 wins, fueling hopes of ending a playoff win drought since 2016.
The upcoming game at Cleveland is crucial; a win could lock in the top spot and propel them toward an AFC Championship run.
Standout Stats and Players
Aaron Rodgers has been pivotal, posting a 96.1 passer rating in key games with efficient completion percentages and touchdowns. Receivers like Calvin Austin III and DK Metcalf have delivered in crunch time.
The defense ranks high with 137 first downs allowed via passing and strong third-down stops (72/179 conversions). Kicker Chris Boswell's long field goals, including 50-yarders, have been game-changers.
Overall, 262 total first downs underscore a balanced attack blending rush, pass, and penalties effectively.