Steelers could make bold Week 17 decision after 'MNF' win over Dolphins

By earning a 28-15 win over the Miami Dolphins on Monday night, the Pittsburgh Steelers improved to 8-6 and ensured they'd keep their lead over the 7-7 Baltimore Ravens in the battle for the AFC North division title. 

It turns out the Steelers grabbed control of their playoff destiny in more ways than one. 

Steelers have big advantage over Ravens

Back in Week 14, the Steelers tallied a 27-22 win at the Ravens. Those two teams will meet again at Pittsburgh's Acrisure Stadium in Week 18.

Before that, however, the Steelers will play at the Detroit Lions (8-6) this Sunday and at the Cleveland Browns (3-11) in Week 17. Meanwhile, the Ravens will host the New England Patriots (11-3) this coming Sunday night. Baltimore then plays at the Green Bay Packers (9-4-1) in Week 17.

As Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio pointed out, the Steelers will now clinch the AFC North division title as long as they beat the Ravens in Week 18. Regardless of what happens before, Pittsburgh would own the tiebreaker advantage due to having swept Baltimore in such a scenario. 

"That raises a related question," Florio added. "Would the Steelers decide to rest key starters for Week 17 at Cleveland, with the goal of having everyone at full strength for Week 18? By the time the Steelers play the Browns on Sunday, Dec. 28, they’ll know where the Ravens (who play the Packers the night before) stand. Pittsburgh could be in position to clinch the division with a win over the Browns. But if the Steelers know that they’ll need to win in Week 18 in order to secure the division title, there could be sound football reasons to give some of the veteran players a game off."

Who could Steelers rest until Week 18?

Steelers star pass-rusher T.J. Watt missed the Dolphins game due to a partially collapsed lung. It's unclear if he'll be able to return to action before or after Week 18. 

Per Chris Ward of Steelers Now, Pittsburgh starting left guard Isaac Seumalo suffered a triceps injury on Monday night. Meanwhile, edge-rusher Nick Herbig was dealing with a hamstring injury by the time Monday's contest wrapped up. 

It's also worth mentioning that Steelers starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers is a 42-year-old who has dealt with numerous physical setbacks since the 2021 season. Depending on what happens through the night of Dec. 27, Pittsburgh sitting Rodgers for Week 17 in Cleveland may not be the worst idea.