NFL Playoff Picture: Why Pittsburgh Steelers Are Suddenly Vulnerable

Two weeks ago, the Pittsburgh Steelers looked as good as any team in the AFC and appeared to be geared up for a run at a second straight AFC title.

Now, with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger having major issues with his injured left ankle, Pittsburgh's playoff future has gotten much murkier. 

Right now, most of the signs are pointing toward Roethlisberger sitting out this week's game against the St. Louis Rams, and after his horrific performance against the San Francisco 49ers, that is probably for the best. Big Ben was seriously hampered in that game and just never looked right.

Against the 49ers, Roethlisberger completed 25 of 44 passes (56.8 percent) for 330 yards with no touchdowns, three interceptions and two fumbles (one lost). His passer rating of 52.3 was his lowest in a game for the season.

With Roethlisberger injured and playing horribly, the Steelers looked completely lost against the 49ers offensively. It's clear that Big Ben will not be fully healthy by the time the postseason arrives, and with a running game that ranks 17th in the league (averaging 112.4 yards per game) Pittsburgh really needs to step up in that area.

It's on Rashard Mendenhall and the team's offensive line to start making a difference in games.

While the Steelers do boast the NFL's top defense (allowing just 276.9 yards per game), that unit can only survive on its own for so long. 

Plain and simple, if Roethlisberger doesn't heal up quickly, the Steelers suddenly become a very vulnerable football team.