SAN DIEGO (Ticker) -- The Pittsburgh Steelers hope to still be alive for the final playoff spot in the AFC today when they take the field against the San Diego Chargers.
Not only do the Steelers need a win in this game, but they need some help to make the playoffs. The New York Jets (9-6) must lose earlier in the day at Baltimore (11-4) and Indianapolis (9-6), playing opposite this game, has to lose to Minnesota (11-4).
If not for some faulty officiating, the Steelers already could be in the playoffs. In losses to Cleveland, Philadelphia and Tennessee, the NFL has issued apologies to the Steelers for critical mistakes by officials that affected the outcome of those games.
Pittsburgh kept its slim playoff hopes alive last Saturday with a 24-3 victory over the Washington Redskins in the final game ever at Three Rivers Stadium.
Rookie Hank Poteat provided the highlight in the finale at Three Rivers, returning a punt 53 yards for touchdown during a 17-point second quarter. It was the longest punt return for a TD by a Steeler in the 31-year history of the stadium.
The Chargers are finishing the worst season in the 41-year history of the franchise and already have secured the top pick in April's NFL draft.
San Diego suffered its latest loss last Sunday, dropping a 30-22 decision to the Carolina Panthers. The Chargers reached the Carolina 1-yard line with just over two minutes remaining but could not get into the end zone.
Despite their porous year, the Chargers will have coach Mike Riley back next season. Last Saturday, Riley was informed by team president Dean Spanos that he would return.
Pittsburgh leads the all-time series, 16-7.
