Pittsburgh Review

The Pittsburgh Steelers face several scenarios as they approach the playoffs. If the Ravens defeat the Browns, they will clinch first place in the AFC North Division. For the Steelers to win the division, they need a victory against the Bengals and a Browns win over Baltimore. In that case, Pittsburgh would host a postseason game against the Los Angeles Chargers.

More likely, if both the Ravens and Steelers win their respective games, Pittsburgh will enter as a Wild Card team and travel to Houston to play against the Texans. If Baltimore wins while Pittsburgh loses and Las Vegas is defeated by the Chargers, then Pittsburgh will face Baltimore in their playoff opener.

John Browning from Whiteville questioned Hines Ward's exclusion from the Pro Football Hall of Fame despite his statistics. The response highlighted that individual awards are determined by votes, which can be seen as popularity contests. There might be an unspoken order among voters regarding wide receivers like Torry Holt, Reggie Wayne, and Steve Smith Sr., who have advanced further than Ward this year.

Raul Casas from North York asked about potential international games for the Steelers in Toronto. It was noted that while there was a preseason game held there in 2008 with Buffalo Bills as part of an attempt to expand fan bases into Canada, such events are rare due to concerns about affecting CFL interest.

Michael Stewart from Granger wondered if Coach Mike Tomlin would rest players against Cincinnati should Baltimore secure its division title earlier on Saturday. Coach Tomlin indicated he does not plan on resting players due to recent losses: "We've got to get the stench of those last few performances off us."

Sean Delaney from Gardner raised concerns about player health ahead of playoffs but acknowledged limited roster flexibility during regular seasons makes extensive resting challenging without risking performance staleness when returning after long breaks.

Vince Scotti recalled past instances where backup quarterbacks gained popularity over starters amid poor performances but noted decisions at quarterback were never influenced by fan reactions historically under Chuck Noll's leadership.

Lito Arballo asked for updates on Roman Wilson's status after injury sidelined him since early practice sessions; currently listed with others having opened practice windows though unlikely expected back playing soon versus Bengals upcoming match-up.