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With Ben Roethlisberger and Troy Polamalu both ruled out for the Steelers' upcoming divisional battle with the Baltimore Ravens, it would be an absolute miracle if they make it out with a win.It's not often that a team is forced to play without their best two players on both sides of the ball, but when it does happen, the result is usually not very good. This game could get ugly very quickly as the Steelers will have to rely on their running game against a very good Ravens defense known for stopping the run.
If the Steelers want to win this game, Dennis Dixon will have to make some plays through the air to go along with a stout defensive effort. The Ravens aren't usually a high-powered offense, but have shown the ability to score very quickly at certain points in this season.
Without Polamalu, Joe Flacco and the Ravens passing attack will most likely target the middle of the field and the void left by the All-Pro safety.
I don't see the Steelers winning this game and certainly can't see them making the playoffs. I said when Roethlisberger initially got hurt that if he had to miss even two games this team would be on the outside looking in come January.
The AFC is too competitive to drop a couple games in November/December, and it could wind up costing the defending champs.
The AFC playoff picture, I believe, will shake out something like this:
1. Indianapolis Colts
2. New England Patriots
3. Cincinatti Bengals
4. Denver Broncos
5. San Diego Chargers
6. Houston Texans/Baltimore Ravens/Miami Dolphins
Okay, so I can't really commit on who I believe will take the wildcard spot, but gun to my head I'm probably picking the Baltimore Ravens. The offense has shown they can put up points and the defense, while not the same without some key cogs from last year, is still playing like a top-10 unit.
Either way, the Steelers won't be one of the four or five teams in the wildcard hunt come Week 15 or so.
