The Steelers took care of what they had to do -- barely -- but it might have proven to be too little, too late Sunday.
Newly-signed Matt McCrane kicked three goals, the final one coming from 35 yards just after two-minute warning to lift the Steelers to a win over the Bengals, 16-13, in their regular season finale.
That put the Steelers at 9-6-1 to finish the year and waiting for help.
The Steelers needed to win this game and either have the Browns win in Baltimore or have the Colts and Titans play to a tie in the Sunday night game to have a chance to make the playoffs.
Ben Roethlisberger and the offense shook off a slow start -- including a 58-yard interception return for a touchdown by Bengals safety Shawn Williams -- to become the sixth quarterback in NFL history to surpass 5,000 yards for the season during the game.
Playing without Antonio Brown, Roethlisberger threw for 287 yards, one touchdown and the one interception.