Nov 22, 2014 4 min read

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said earlier this week that no matter when the team’s bye week comes, he can convince himself that it’s a good time for it to happen.

But in the case of this team, the bye actually might come at the perfect time.

Pittsburgh’s defense has been as banged up as any unit in the league. Last Monday night in Tennessee, the Steelers had five defensive players who were in the starting lineup in Week 1 standing on the sidelines in street clothes because of injuries. A sixth starter, Cortez Allen, hasn’t been playing because of ineffectiveness.

But when the Steelers begin practicing next week in preparation for their stretch run, which begins next Sunday at Heinz Field against New Orleans, there’s a good chance they’ll get at least four of those injured starters back.

Cornerback Ike Taylor will find out Monday if he has been cleared for contact, while safety Troy Polamalu, linebacker Ryan Shazier and nose tackle Steve McLendon are expected to have a good chance to play against the Saints.

Only linebacker Jarvis Jones (wrist) will remain out of action, though he’ll start practicing this week as he returns from the injured reserve/designated for return list.

The bye also came at a good time considering the team has to figure out its backup running back situation following the release of LeGarrette Blount last week for walking out on his teammates.

The Steelers should be rested and ready for the stretch drive.

Incredibly, what lies ahead are five games against teams that enter this week’s slate of games as first-place teams in their respective divisions – though Kansas City was knocked out of first place Thursday night with a loss at Oakland.

The Steelers need to go at least 3-2 in their final five games to have a shot at making the playoffs. A 4-1 mark will guarantee a spot and possibly get them a home game in the playoffs as the AFC North champions.

They control their own fate, which is all you can ask for at this point in the season. It certainly beats the heck out of the past two seasons when they went into the final two weeks of the season needing a lot of help.

And with the other three AFC North teams playing as road underdogs this weekend, the Steelers could wake up Tuesday morning all alone in first place, rested and ready for what lies ahead.

Now, here’s a look at this week’s games:

The Texans went into Cleveland and won last week to knock the Browns out of first in the AFC North. Now, they’ll knock the Bengals out of the top spot.

Take Houston, 27-23

The Falcons are 4-0 against the NFC South, 0-6 against everyone else. But they’re 4-6 and in first place in the division. Cleveland is 6-4 and in last place in the AFC North.

Take Cleveland, 24-20

The Saints have lost two in a row at home to fall to 4-6 but are tied for first in the NFC South. Baltimore, like, Cleveland is 6-4 and tied for last in the AFC North. Saints should regain their home mojo.

Take New Orleans, 31-24

A win by the Cardinals will end any hope of Seattle winning the division.

Take Arizona to cover in a 24-21 loss

Bills have had bigger concerns than this game. And Jets are a different team with Michael Vick at quarterback and Percy Harvin at wide receiver.

Take the Jets, 20-16

Detroit’s defense will cause the Patriots problems, even at home. But what’s up with the Lions’ offense?

Take New England, 27-19

The Broncos have lost two of their past three.

Take Denver, 34-20

Can’t go against the Packers right now.

Take Green Bay, 38-14

Rams are 3-1 against Seattle, San Francisco and Denver, 1-5 against everyone else.

Take San Diego, 27-20

Tom Coughlin’s run as Giants head coach is almost over.

Take Dallas, 26-17

Mark Sanchez’s play was exposed last week by Green Bay. Eagles will win, but it will be close.

Take Philadelphia, 26-17

Washington (plus 8)at San Francisco

The 49ers don’t blow out anyone. Until now.

Take San Francisco, 28-17

The Colts smacked around the Jaguars in Jacksonville earlier this season, 44-17. Why not again?

Take Indianapolis, 44-17

Warm-weather team heading to chilly Chicago.

Take Chicago, 23-13

Last Week: 5-7 ATS; 6-6 Straight up

Overall: 74-74-1 ATS; 96-55 Straight up