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Steelers need help from old rival to make postseason

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 1/6/23

The Steelers' hopes to make the playoffs seem to be in the hands of their former divisional rival in Week 18.

The Jets announced that QB Mike White is out of Sunday's contest vs. the Dolphins, handing the keys over the Joe Flacco, who led the Ravens for 11 years.

Jets’ QB Mike White is out Sunday vs. the Dolphins, Joe Flacco will start and Zach Wilson will back him up, as @ZackBlatt reported.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2023

Pittsburgh (8-8) will have to root for Flacco and the Jets (7-9) to defeat the Dolphins (8-8) in order to make the postseason. The Steelers must also defeat the Browns (7-9) along with the Bills (12-3) beating the Patriots (8-8).

On the bright side, the Dolphins are down to their third string rookie QB Skylar Thompson for the regular season finale as well.

Joe Flacco vs. Skylar Thompson. I can't find the words.
— Brian Costello (@BrianCoz) January 6, 2023

The Jets have had quite the quarterback carousel this season. Flacco has passed for 902 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in his four starts.

Flacco, now 37-years-old, is on the back end of his career. And Steelers fans couldn't think of a better stamp on his career than a big win on Sunday.

If all three scenarios play out, Pittsburgh will find its way back into the playoffs. With the Steelers and Bills favorites to win their matchups, all eyes will be on Flacco and the Jets.