The Steelers are poised for a nice run, the Ravens, Jets, and Patriots are the teams that could possibly defeat them in the AFC.
The Jets, highly unlikely they beat us twice in a year. If we had Palumalu and anything resembling kick off coverage we would have beat them a couple weeks ago. And with the strong possibility of Aaron Smith coming back, well, it's possible they could beat the Steelers again but I believe it's less than 3% probability.
The Ravens are usually the second best team at playing Steeler football, and this season is pretty much par for the course. Second best, the Steelers of course being the best at being the Steelers. With a healthy Ben it's highly unlikely that they beat us in our barn in the playoffs, but with that defense it's folly to discount them completely. I give the Ravens about a 20% chance of beating the Steelers, 16% if Smith plays.
The Patriots are the team we want to avoid, if somebody else would PLEASE
beat them for us that would be grand. Brady scares the shit out of me, their offensive line is like an army of ogres, and Belichek knows exactly how to beat the Steelers. 80% passes, attack the secondary (esp. Willie Gay), frustrate the blitz with screens, and neutralize Palumalu by making smart reads. However, I do think that the Steelers could put up some points against the Pats, so IF they can come up with a timely turnover or two, they could beat them. 64% that the Pats would win, 60% if Smith plays.
If they make it to the show there's nobody in the NFC that worries me. They would make a meal out of Vick, Harrison would feed him to his dogs and rightfully so. The Falcons cannot contain Ben, he will dissect them.
The Super Bowl is going to the AFC again this season, the superior conference with superior talent.
Here We Go Steel-ers HERE WE GO!