Steelers Now
One analyst expects a similar result from the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 with wide receiver DK Metcalf sidelined once again.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are preparing to take on the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18 for the AFC North title and a trip to the playoffs. However, they must do so without wide receiver DK Metcalf, who served the first week of his two-game suspension in Week 17.
Former NFL quarterback and ESPN analyst Dan Orlovsky believes that will ultimately cost the Steelers the division.
“Honestly, I think they lose the division because DK Metcalf won’t be there. That’s going to be something that he’s going to have to deal with,” Orlovsky said on ESPN’s Get Up. “You’re looking back a week or so ago, maybe 10 days ago, and you’re thinking, ‘The Steelers are going to walk away with this division. What a final end to their season. What a great job by Mike Tomlin.’ And now, you’re sitting there going, ‘Oh my gosh, they lose to the Browns because they couldn’t score a touchdown and because people couldn’t get open, and now, you’ve got to go play Baltimore.’ I don’t care if they have Lamar [Jackson] or not, but not having DK totally chokes this offense.”
"Honestly, I think they lose the division because DK Metcalf won't be there." 👀@danorlovsky7 on the Steelers after their loss to the Browns 🏈 pic.twitter.com/jYcEqMVDcJ
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 29, 2025
Pittsburgh’s offense struggled to create any rhythm in its passing game in the 13-6 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw for just 168 yards while wide receivers Scotty Miller, Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen combined for just eight catches for 60 yards on 21 targets.
“They could not win in the pass game,” Orlovsky continued. “Every pass from Aaron, if it wasn’t under five yards, it was down the field and had to be absolutely perfect. There were some throws that were kind of close, but just not perfect enough and then other moments where guys just aren’t open.”
Barring another unforeseen addition to the room this week, the Steelers are in line to start the same underwhelming group of pass catchers in the regular season finale.
Rodgers has done his best to work with what he has been given, but Metcalf’s absence will likely put pressure on the offense once again and could prove to be the exact reason Pittsburgh comes up short of the playoffs.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Analyst Believes DK Metcalf Will Cost Steelers AFC North Title
