Texans v Steelers
This year's version of both teams is very intriguing. First off, Aaron Rodgers , who was initially expected to retire , began the season 6-6 only to finish 4-1 & led Pitt to an AFC North title & playoff berth. He has proved many doubters wrong who said his career was over as he has managed to stay relatively healthy at 42 yrs old and sling 24 TDs / 7 INTs once again showcasing his clutch late game heroics in what culminated in a division clinching win over Baltimore and setting up a fantastic showdown this evening with Houston.
Rodgers joined Pitt on a one-year deal and it was expected to be his last but he now is leaving the door open for a potential reunion next year with Pitt and seems to have gotten back his joy and truly enjoyed his time in Pittsburgh. He scored 9 4th qtr TDs and has gone back to carrying the team on his back late in the game. He also did this against Baltimore in tossing a late game pass to Calvin Austin III week 18 . He had a 94.8 QBR in 16 games played this year.
He silenced critics after facing skepticism, starting strong and constantly delivering in crucial moments. He shifted the entire narrative from the farewell tour to potentially prolonging his career and coming to terms on another deal .
All that said... it took the Ravens missing a 44 yr old firld goal for the Steelers to " back in" to the Playoffs.
DK Metcalf is set to return. One thing to keep in mind is the Steelers were 1-5 against playoff teams this season. Yes, the Steelers D has been fantastic the last 5 weeks and their offense is also averaging nearly 23 ppg, so they are peaking at the right time.
Meanwhile Houston started the season 0-3 and they have won 9 straight games. ... albeit all but two were one score games... and on the road during that time their margin of victory is just over 4 points per game.
This Texan squad set multiple franchise records on the defensive side of the ball. They were first in the NFL in points allowed and total yards allowed per game . 17.3 ppg and 277 ypg were new franchise records.
What is most remarkable js the Steelers have won 23 straight Monday Night Football games played at home. Their last loss was over 34 years ago.
At that point, Chuck Noll was the head coach.
That said, the Steelers have not WON a playoff game since Jan 8, 2017, losing their last 5 straight.
Under Tomlin specifically, they are 12-0 on MNF at home.
This is the THIRD consecutive AFC South division title for Houston, with the last two years and won 12 games for the first time since 2012. They became the only team to make the playoffs multiple times after an 0-3 start to the season. This is the fitst time Houston has made the playoffs 3 straight seasons as of this year, with DeMeco Ryans 2-2 in playoff games (3-1 ATS). If Houston wins this year, it would be the 3rd straight year where Houston wins in the wildcard round.
So the thing that sticks out to me is that the media is hyping up the Steelers emtirely too much as they continue their primetime dominance. First off, the Steelers were lucky to even back into the playoffs. Secondly , they already exceeded any and all expectations. Sure, maybe they are a wildcard but what does this team do better than anyone left in the field? Nothing. This is still not the Aaron Rodgers of old. He has not fared well against elite defenses or pass rushes even this season, and that is not being talked about nearly enough.
Meanwhile DeMeco Ryans squad has an IDENTITY.
Nice 
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