The Steelers playoff path thus far has had some familiarity to it. Over the past 2 weeks, the Steelers have played and beaten the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs – two teams the Steelers have already played this season.

Looking back, the Steelers have had success in each rematch of this season. Though they didn’t always win the first match-up, the Steelers have been perfect in each of their rematch games.

Let’s take a look…

Cincinnati Bengals

First game (9/18): Steelers 24 Bengals 16 – W

Second game (12/18): Steelers 24 Bengals 20 – W

Baltimore Ravens

First game (11/6): Steelers 14 Ravens 21 – L

Second game (12/25): Steelers 31 Ravens 27 – W

Cleveland Browns

First game (11/20): Steelers 24 Browns 9 – W

Second game (1/1): Steelers 27 Browns 24 – W

Miami Dolphins

First game (10/16): Steelers 15 Dolphins 30 – L

Second game (1/8): Steelers 30 Dolphins 12 – W

Kansas Chiefs

First game (10/2): Steelers 43 Chiefs 14 – W

Second game (1/15): Steelers 18 Chiefs 16 – W

So why does this matter?

The Steelers next game is against the New England Patriots, another team that they have already played once this season. In that week 7 game, the Steelers lost 27-16.

This score doesn’t tell the whole picture though, the Steelers were without many key players during this game, most notably Ben Roethlisberger. The Patriots will be facing a much different team this time around.

The Steelers rematch wins came due to various reasons. The Browns, Bengals, and Dolphins wins showed the team can come through and beat teams that they should. The Ravens win showed the Steelers can win a high stakes game and come through in clutch situations. The Chiefs win showed that this team can win with its defense.

All of these factors will be needed when the Steelers travel to New England. If they play resilient, well-rounded, and clutch football, then they should be able to continue their streak of rematch victories.