Win and you're in. It's a scenario that seems so easy, but when it has to be repeated four straight weeks like it does for the Steelers it could become more of a challenge.
But Steelers' players aren't looking at it that way, they are taking the smart route and doing what is always preached to them. They are taking it one game at a time beginning this week in Cincinnati.
"It's all about your next opponent," said linebacker Jason Worilds. "We have to take care of business and focus on one week at a time. If we win they will add up. The ball is in our court. We wouldn't want it any other way."
The Steelers are currently the ninth seed in the AFC, but if they win their four remaining games, two of which are against the AFC North leading Bengals, they would win the division.
"No room for error this week. December football," said cornerback Ike Taylor. "It's December football and winning teams separate themselves. We still have an opportunity, we just have to take care of what is in front of us. We are still in the hunt right now.
"Everyone just has to man up, handle their business and get ready for the Bengals."
There are countless scenarios right now as to how the postseason could play out, but the only one that matters to the players is beating the Bengals this week.
"We just have to worry about Cincinnati right now," said defensive end Cam Heyward. "We can't worry about what any of these other teams are going to do, if they win, if they lose, if they tie. It doesn't matter. All of the games that gave us the 7-5 record are in the rearview mirror. We are focused in on Cincinnati right now and trying to beat a good team."
Safety Mike Mitchell said that everyone needs to have the same approach this week, focusing on what you can do and having a positive mindset.
"You have to have the right mentality," said Mitchell. "You can't come in here with your head down. You have to be positive. We have four games left that we are totally in control of. Coach (Mike) Tomlin made a good point when he said what matters is what we do in the stadiums from this point forward. If we win out we take care of our own business. We don't have to hope or wish, we just have to take care of our own business. We are very capable of doing that.
"We just have to get better. That is what I am focused on, getting better. We have to win this game, it's a huge game against Cincinnati."
