The Pittsburgh Steelers named third-string quarterback Mason Rudolph because the starter towards the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 16.
Pittsburgh Steelers backup quarterback Mason Rudolph makes an attempt a move in a blowout loss towards the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Picture: AP)
The 2 AFC North divisional rivals sq. off in a recreation with postseason implications.
The Steelers (7-7) have a 3% likelihood to make the playoffs as an AFC wild-card group, in line with a projection by Upshot. The Steelers should win all three of their remaining video games, and get some assist from different groups, to sneak into the playoffs by way of the again door.
The Bengals (8-6) presently occupy the #6 seed within the AFC as one in every of three wild-card groups. They’ll strengthen their postseason place and finish the Steelers’ postseason hopes with a street victory on Saturday.
Wild Season in Pittsburgh
Followers have been complaining concerning the Steelers’ lackluster offense for the previous two seasons. Offensive coordinator Matt Canada got here below fireplace for his unimaginative playbook and predictable tendencies. Head coach Mike Tomlin fired Canada after a Week 11 loss towards the Cleveland Browns.
The Steelers received their subsequent recreation with a 16-10 victory towards the Bengals in Week 12, however have since dropped three consecutive video games to sink to 7-7.
Tomlin’s job is in jeopardy until he can one way or the other information the Steelers to a long-shot playoff berth.
Beginning quarterback Kenny Pickett sustained a excessive ankle sprain in Week 13 and underwent tightrope surgical procedure. Pickett has been trending in the proper path, however he’s nonetheless sidelined for not less than one other week.
Backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky stuffed in for Pickett within the final three video games, however all three of his begins resulted in losses. The Steelers averaged 13.7 factors per recreation with Trubisky because the starter, so Tomlin determined to gamble on Rudolph to jump-start the offense.
Rudolph: From Third String to Starter
The Steelers chosen Rudolph out of Oklahoma State with a third-round decide within the 2019 NFL Draft. He posted a formidable 5-3 document as a starter in eight video games as a rookie in 2019. He went 0-1-1 as a spot starter since then, and has an total document of 5-4-1 as a starter.
Rudolph took all the snaps in follow with the starters for the primary time this season. He usually runs the scout group, which is a job relegated to third-string quarterbacks.
“The toughest a part of being the three is although there’s virtually a zero p.c statistical likelihood of you enjoying, you continue to have to organize,” Rudolph instructed The Athletic. “I attempt to push myself every week that when this occurs, you might be prepared and don’t miss a beat.”
We’ve received expertise with Mason,” mentioned Tomlin. “He’s received expertise with us inside our program. He’s a good suggestion man. He’s a superb sounding board for the fellows which might be in. It’s a very comfy factor for us along with his presence and him being elevated, little doubt.”
“I’ve been right here with Mason, he’s received a whole lot of begins below his belt,” mentioned interim offensive coordinator Eddie Faulkner. “You’re feeling actually good a few man who’s received expertise below middle in NFL video games within the common season enjoying for you.”
Betting the Steelers in a Should-Win Scenario
The Steelers are +2 dwelling underdogs at Heinz Discipline in Pittsburgh on Saturday. The Bengals are 6-6-2 towards the purpose unfold this season, whereas the Steelers are 7-7 ATS.
The Bengals received’t have star vast receiver Ja’Marr Chase within the lineup whereas he nurses a proper shoulder damage, however they’re nonetheless a -2 favourite with backup quarterback Jake Browning below middle.
The Steelers are +900 odds to make the playoffs, in line with a prop guess by DraftKings. They’re an enormous betting favourite at -1800 to overlook the playoffs.
The Bengals are additionally an underdog to make the playoffs at +200. You possibly can again them to bubble the playoffs at -250. The Bengals have a 34% likelihood to make the playoffs, in line with Upshot.
The Steelers are on the backside of DraftKings’ NFL futures board at +25000 odds to win the Tremendous Bowl, and +15000 odds to win the AFC Championship.
