The Baltimore Ravens are the first – and as of Week 15 the only – AFC team to clinch a playoff spot but still have their eyes on an AFC North title and the No. 1 overall seed in the conference.
If they win out, the Ravens will earn the coveted first-round bye that comes with the top seed in each conference. With games remaining against the 49ers, Dolphins and Steelers, Baltimore is doing its best to not look ahead
But division rival Pittsburgh sits in last place in the North and out of the playoff picture. With starting quarterback Kenny Pickett sidelined with an ankle injury, the Steelers went with backup Mitch Trubisky.
That didn’t work out as planned. Trubisky was benched during the Week 15 loss to the Colts after the signal caller passed for 169 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions. With Trubisky’s benching, Mason Rudolph took the field for the first time since 2021 and completed two of three passes for three yards.
The former Oklahoma State Cowboy was selected by the Steelers in the third round at No. 76 overall in the 2018 NFL Draft and has thrown for 2,369 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions since arriving in Pittsburgh.
There is still a chance Pickett could return and be able to start against the Bengals if his ankle progresses, but chances are it’ll be Rudolph facing Jake Browning and Cincinnati with the Steelers’ playoff hopes on the line.
After the Bengals in Week 16 at Acrisure Stadium, Pittsburgh will hit the road against the Seahawks and Ravens to finish the season
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