Steelers in must-win scenario heading into Monday Night Football

We're in uncomfortable territory.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are 0-3 for the first time since 2013. Since 1980, only six teams have managed to start 0-3 and make the postseason. The Steelers hope to become the seventh to do just that.

It's not out of the realm of possibility. New addition Minkah Fitzpatrick has already contributed more than an overwhelming majority of Steelers defensive backs, Mason Rudolph appears to be the potential spark plug for an otherwise dormant offense, and the Steelers have hung close in their previous two games, losing by 2 and 4 points, respectively.

Yet this is the NFL, where close only counts on the moral scoreboard.

Obstacles exist in Pittsburgh's quest for the post-season, and they're rather big ones. Between a defense allowing 28.3 points per game and the team's future hall of fame quarterback going down for the season, the panic button on the 2019 season has been worn out just three games in.

Despite previously playing opponents that are a combined 8-1 thus far, the Steelers' biggest test of the season comes in the form of an 0-3 Cincinnati Bengals football team via Monday Night Football, with the loser's season essentially over in terms of making a run at the playoffs.

Only one team since the playoff expansion in 1990 have started 0-4 and made the playoffs: The 1992 San Diego Chargers.

And with that line of thinking, Monday night's meeting with the Bengals does indeed classify as a must-win game for the Steelers, a team who refuses to throw in the towel with 13 games left to play.

One game at a time. Promise there is NO QUIT in this team! #Steelers
— Mike Hilton (@MikeHilton_28) September 25, 2019

It appears the most feasible route to the playoffs will be through a division title rather than a wildcard spot. A win in Heinz Field on Monday not only puts the Steelers back on track before seeing Baltimore the following week, but also effectively turns the division race into a three team race just four weeks into the season.

With their backs against the wall, the Steelers have an opportunity to save their season on primetime television. Should Pittsburgh fail to secure a victory, the odds are almost guaranteed to prevent the Steelers from sniffing the postseason aside from one of the most miraculous turnarounds ever witnessed in professional sports.

Pittsburgh likely prefers the first option.