Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens: How Did It Affect the Playoff Race?

Ben Roethlisberger and the Pittsburgh Steelers beat Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens last night in one of the best games of the year.

Troy Polamalu and the Steelers defense made big plays when they needed to and gave the offense a chance to win the game late in the fourth quarter.

The defining play was a fourth quarter blitz on which Polamalu ran around left tackle Michael Oher and forced a Flacco fumble, giving the ball to Roethlisberger, who would throw the game-winning touchdown pass shortly thereafter.

The win gives the Steelers a 9-3 record and control of the AFC North, while the loss drops Baltimore to 8-4.

So, how does that affect the playoff picture in the AFC? Here's a prediction of how the seeds will end up at the end of the year.

6. Baltimore Ravens

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CHARLOTTE, NC - NOVEMBER 21: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 21, 2010 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

The loss to the Steelers likely drops the Ravens to the second Wild Card spot, the sixth overall seed in the playoffs.

That means if the Ravens are going to make the Super Bowl, they'll have to do it by winning all their playoff games on the road.

But, the No. 3 and No. 4 seeds in the AFC will likely have worse records than the Ravens heading into the playoffs, so it's not unlikely that Baltimore can win its divisional matchup on the road.

5. New England Patriots

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DETROIT - NOVEMBER 25: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts after a Detroit Lions turnover during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on November 25, 2010 in Detroit, Michigan. New England defeated Detroit 45-24. (Photo by Leon

I'm predicting a narrow win for the New York Jets tonight. If that happens, the Patriots will drop to 9-3 and into the first AFC Wild Card spot.

A Ravens-Patriots Wild Card tandem would give the NFL two of the best Wild Card teams in league history.

The No. 3 and No. 4 seeds would look over-matched on paper, but as everyone knows, you don't play the game on paper.

Plus, with the Colts as the No. 4 seed, we all know that anything can happen in a Pats-Colts game.

4. Indianapolis Colts

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INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 05: Peyton Manning #18 of the Indianapolis Colts pitches the football against the Dallas Cowboys at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 5, 2010 in Indianapolis, Indiana. The Cowboys defeated the Colts 38-35 in overtime. (Photo by Sco

The Colts are currently 6-6 and falling apart. Peyton Manning has thrown more interceptions than we are used to seeing from him, and it's costing his team dearly.

But, I'm not going to bet against the Colts, especially when the Jacksonville Jaguars are the team ahead of them in the AFC South.

With one more head-to-head matchup against the Jags, look for the Colts to make a strong playoff push in their last four games.

3. Kansas City Chiefs

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SEATTLE, WA - NOVEMBER 28: Wide receiver Dwayne Bowe #82 of the Kansas City Chiefs rushes past Marcus Trufant #23 of the Seattle Seahawks for a touchdown and a 20-7 lead at Qwest Field on November 28, 2010 in Seattle, Washington. The Chiefs defeated the

With the San Diego Chargers' loss to the Oakland Raiders on Sunday, the Chiefs now have a two-game lead in the AFC West.

Their 8-4 record is better than anyone expected at the beginning of the year and the Chiefs are built for the playoffs.

They have a strong running game with Jamaal Charles and Thomas Jones,and they appear unbeatable at Arrowhead Stadium. Both are good statistics to have going into the playoffs.

It's going to be tough for the Ravens to win this playoff game on the road.

2. New York Jets

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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 25: Quarterback Mark Sanchez #6 of the New York Jets looks to throw a pass against the Cincinnati Bengals at New Meadowlands Stadium on November 25, 2010 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Bengal 26-10.

Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets have consistently found ways to win close games in the fourth quarter and overtime.

I expect that to continue tonight against the Patriots, but that luck has to run out sometime, right?

Sometime like Week 15, when they have to go to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers. That game will determine the AFC No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, and I like the Steelers to win that game.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers

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PITTSBURGH - NOVEMBER 21: Troy Polamalu #43 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball after catching an interception against the Oakland Raiders during the game on November 21, 2010 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Jared Wickerh

The win over the Ravens last night was the sort of statement win the Steelers needed this year.

Despite all the injuries to their quarterback and offensive line, their defense is keeping them in ballgames and the offense continues to do just enough to win.

That's a good formula heading into the playoffs.

No one wants to go into Pittsburgh to play the best defense in the league.