Jan 9, 2022; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Benny Snell (24) uses a fans phone to take a selfie after the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Coming into Sunday, a lot of NFL folks were discussing a potential playoff scenario wherein the two-win Jacksonville Jaguars defeated the Indianapolis Colts, opening the door for the Los Angeles Chargers and Las Vegas Raiders to tie and both take the playoff spot away from them.

The first part, somehow, ended up happening. However, the part of the equation few accounted for was that the Pittsburgh Steelers could defeat the Baltimore Ravens and then replace the Colts in the scenario, which is exactly what happened.

And so, we went into Sunday Night Football’s contest between the Chargers and Raiders knowing that a tie was extremely unlikely, and both teams would not try to play for one, but the idea of it happening would be pretty wild.

And then, it almost happened.

A furious fourth-quarter comeback by the Chargers sent the game into overtime, tied at 29 apiece. The Raiders kicked a field goal, which was matched by the Chargers. All of a sudden, the game was tied up once again with four minutes left in OT and America collectively excited itself over the possibilities.

Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. Following a very questionable timeout call by Chargers coach Brandon Staley, the Raiders drove the ball into field goal territory and ended things with a 47-yarder to win the game.

The Raiders and Steelers make the playoffs while the Chargers and Colts go home to wonder what could have been.

Considering how small the Steelers’ chances of making the playoffs were heading into the day, it ended up being a surprising stressful evening for them. And there were plenty of reactions to the wild game and wild finish from Steeler Nation on social media.

The Steelers’ reward for making the playoffs? A trip to Arrowhead Stadium to take on the two-time defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs. Big Ben gets at least one more game and everyone in the Greater Pittsburgh Area can now unclench their butts and enjoy the evening.

About Sean Keeley

Along with writing for Awful Announcing and The Comeback, Sean is the Editorial Strategy Director for Comeback Media. Previously, he created the Syracuse blog Troy Nunes Is An Absolute Magician and wrote 'How To Grow An Orange: The Right Way to Brainwash Your Child Into Rooting for Syracuse.' He has also written non-Syracuse-related things for SB Nation, Curbed, and other outlets. He currently lives in Seattle where he is complaining about bagels. Send tips/comments/complaints to sean@thecomeback.com.