SI/Banks: Playoff Predictions (Steelers)

[alittlejazzbird]

Doesn't it seem suspiciously like some of the media "experts" who have been so quick to write off the Steelers are now quietly attempting to backpedal ever so slightly? Here's Don Banks's pick for the AFC North; it's the last two sentences in particular that caught my eye:

AFC North: Pittsburgh -- If the Steelers can cool off the surging Browns at home this Sunday -- and I expect they will -- they'll be in great shape to cruise into the final quarter of their schedule with a six-game winning streak, a 10-2 record, and all kinds of momentum. That's because after Cleveland, their next three opponents (at Jets, Miami, Cincinnati) have a combined record of 3-22 and pose little threat.

In our haste to coronate the Patriots and compliment the Colts, we've all been a bit guilty of overlooking the fine season the Steelers are assembling. But with Ben Roethlisberger having a great comeback season, Pittsburgh could be a force in the playoffs.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/200...ons/index.html

[fansince'76]

Originally Posted by alittlejazzbird

Doesn't it seem suspiciously like some of the media "experts" who have been so quick to write off the Steelers are now quietly attempting to backpedal ever so slightly?

By and large? No, not really, IMO. However, this is the NFL, not the BCS, and I don't have to care what they think. And believe me, I don't.

[Crushzilla]

Originally Posted by fansince'76

believe me, I don't.

Believe me... he doesn't

Ya our schedule looks pretty soft the next 3. Not to mention the Rams a little but later down the road. Off the top of my head, The Patriots and Jacksonville game may be our only remaining games against teams with a winning record...

[FastWillieParker39]

oh man after this game with the exceptions of being NE and maybe Jax the rest of our schedule really is bad. We could be end up 13-3 now thinking about it.

[jjpro11]

13-3 and we may actually get a second seed.. the colts are pretty banged up right now and have a chance of dropping another game or more.

[Atlanta Dan]

Originally Posted by FastWillieParker39

oh man after this game with the exceptions of being NE and maybe Jax the rest of our schedule really is bad. We could be end up 13-3 now thinking about it.

12-4 if we are not playing for a bye since Tomlin should rest everyone for the Ravens game in order to avoid cheap shot injuries by a Ravens team that will be playing its last game of the season.

[HometownGal]

Originally Posted by alittlejazzbird

Doesn't it seem suspiciously like some of the media "experts" who have been so quick to write off the Steelers are now quietly attempting to backpedal ever so slightly?

They're playing John Kerry and riding the fence with regard to the Steelers. Y'know - on the face isn't very attractive and might make their stage makeup run.

[Dino 6 Rings]

Playoffs? Playoffs?

I'm worried about winning a game!

Sorry, couldn't resist.

Steelers need to focus on the Browns, the Titans and Jags are also in good position right now when you look at the AFC. If the Pats and Colts lose 1 or 2, then we can worry about our seed, until then, a First round game, week 1, at home is about the best we can hope for, then its back to the White Road Jerseys for playoff games.

[Rhee Rhee]

lol im glad more and more people are giving us respect... our team definitely deserves it.... im just worried that because we're playing junk teams by playoff time we'll be vastly unprepared...

[Atlanta Dan]

They still predict Pats-Colts in the AFC championship - let's see where everyone is if the Chargers beat the Colts