Steelers lose in hilarious fashion to Raiders

Three weeks ago, the Steelers had a real chance of earning a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs.

Now, they may not even make it to the postseason. They’ve now lost three straight dating back to their Week 12 collapse vs. the Broncos, a game in which they led in the fourth quarter before falling 24-17.

In Week 13, the Steelers blew a 23-7 lead at home to the Chargers before falling 33-30. They blew a 16-point lead at home for the first time in franchise history. The Steelers were previously 174-0-1 all-time when ahead by 16 points at home. It was the first time the Steelers blew a 16-point lead overall since Nov. 8, 1981, against Seattle.

They somehow followed that up with a more excruciating loss that could ultimately cost them a playoff spot. It came against the previously 2-10 Raiders in Week 14. It was a game Pittsburgh led most of the way, then allowed the Raiders to score the go-ahead touchdown.

But with time winding down, Pittsburgh got into position to tie the game on what was essentially a chip-shot 40-yard field goal for Chris Boswell.

Then, this happened:

Pittsburgh is now 7-5-1 and in serious danger of missing the playoffs with upcoming matchups with the Saints and Patriots, both of whom still have a lot to play for in terms of playoff positioning.

If nothing else, the Bengals should get a chance to knock Pittsburgh out of the playoffs in Week 17. As bad as this season has been, that would be a very special moment.