Three biggest takeaways from Steelers' playoff-clinching win

With the Steelers' (10-7) 17-10 win over the Ravens (13-4) and the Jaguars' (9-8) 28-20 loss to the Titans (6-11), Pittsburgh officially clinched the No. 7 seed in the AFC. Here are the three biggest takeaways from Pittsburgh's Week 18 win.

Najee Harris earns another year

Many have already tabbed Harris as a first-round bust. But with his 112 rushing yards on Sunday, he officially became the first Steelers running back to start their career with three consecutive seasons with over 1,000 yards rushing.

The third-year running back hasn't put up gaudy numbers, averaging just 3.9 yards per carry to start his career. But he has been the definition of consistent and that is why Pittsburgh should pick up his fifth-year option. The team will need to decide on it this offseason, but it feels like a no-brainer as Harris and RB Jaylen Warren have created one of the most underrated duos in the league.

Bittersweet end to DPOY campaign

LB T.J. Watt put a stamp on his NFL Defensive Player of the Year campaign with eight tackles, two sacks and three tackles for a loss. His league-leading 19 sacks make him the first player in history to win the sack title in three separate seasons, per NFL on CBS.

Heading into Week 18, Watt wasn't the favorite to win his second DPOY award. That should no longer be the case; however, Watt's potential DPOY-securing performance came at a cost. 

He suffered a Grade 2 MCL sprain, which will require a couple of weeks of recovery. That means Watt is unlikely to play in the Steelers' wild-card matchup against the Bills (11-6) on Sunday. That's very bad news for Pittsburgh, which is 1-10 without Watt since he was drafted in 2017.

One in, one out

Losing Watt for the beginning of the playoffs is quite the blow to the defense. But as he heads to the sideline, one player is expected to return this week. All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick told reporters after the game that he "will play" next week if the Steelers get into the playoffs.

Fitzpatrick hasn't had the season he likely imagined with just 64 tackles and three passes defensed in 10 games. But he still demands attention from opposing offenses. Fitzpatrick's return comes at the perfect time as the Steelers will get back arguably their second-best defender after losing their best.