Three Steelers make Pro Bowl, Wallace snubbed

Announced today: Three Pittsburgh Steelers made the Pro Bowl, with linebacker James Harrison, safety Troy Polamalu, and rookie center Maurkice Pouncey getting the nod. Perhaps the most notable Steeler who missed out on being selected was second-year wide receiver Mike Wallace, who has emerged as Pittsburgh's #1 wideout, averaging
20.2 yards per catch, with 1,152 yards and nine touchdown catches.

Panthers: What are the Chances...?

The Panthers are a two-touchdown underdog against the Steelers - the widest pointstread vs. Pittsburgh that I can remember. And truth be told, the Steelers should win easily, even without Troy Polamalu's big plays. The Panthers don't figure to score a lot of points with rookie QB Jimmy Clausen at the controls. After all, Clausen averages just 5.4 yards per attempt and has the league's lowest passer rating (59.1). So one can expect the Steelers to focus on shutting down Carolina's powerful running game, leaving the game in Clausen's hands. I give the Steelers an 85 percent chance of winning this game, as unless Pittsburgh's offense turns the ball over repeatedly, the Steelers ought to win pulling away.

I forgot to make a prediction on the Jets game, so I'm 8-5 in 2010. And 56-25 all-time.

Steelers lose to Jets, qualify for playoffs

Despite losing to the New York Jets 22-17 at Heinz Field earlier today, the Steelers clinched a wildcard playoff spot based on a tiebreaker that would go their way on strength of schedule.

The Steelers can still win the AFC North and would earn a No. 2 seed if they win their last two games (Carolina, at Cleveland).

Bengals: What are the Chances...?

The Steelers are an 8.5 point favorite over the Bengals, but Steelers' fans aren't feeling too comfortable, despite Cincinnati's 2-10 record. Pittsburgh nearly blew a big lead in the first meeting before barely escaping with a 27-21 win. And the Steelers have a history of struggling against Cincy at Heinz Field, losing in 2009, 2006, 2005, and 2003. Between the weather (rain in the forecast), Ben Roethlisberger's injuries, and Cincy's struggles defending the run, I'm expecting the Steelers to go with a run-heavy attack ... and find a way to pull out a win, and perhaps secure a playoff berth this week. Steelers: 60 percent chance.

What are the Chances is a mediocre 7-5 thus far in 2010, but 55-25 all-time.

Ravens: What are the Chances...?

The Steelers are a three-point underdog tonight on the road vs. the Ravens. While it figures to be a close game (the past 7 meetings have been decided by a total of 31 points, including 2 OT games), I'd estimate that Pittsburgh has just a 45 percent chance of winning. Though the broken bone in Ben Roethlisberger's foot could hinder his effectiveness, it's the Steelers' banged-up offensive line that is most likely to compromise Pittsburgh's chances.

What are the Chances...? is 7-4 thus far in 2010, and 55-24 all-time.