The Pittsburgh Steelers qualified for the NFL’s 2011 playoffs by virtue of the Tennessee Titans loss to the Colts. But that was not the only early Christmas present that the Steelers got.

The San Diego Chargers defeat of the Baltimore Ravens gives the Steelers a shot at the AFC North Championship.

While that is a welcome development, it also sharpens Mike Tomlin’s dilemma — Does he start Ben Roethlisberger and give his team a better shot at beating the San Francisco 49ers, or does he rest Roethlisberger to ensure that he’s at full health for the playoffs?

During game days, Mike Tomlin rarely coaches scared, and he is already on record as saying that the Steelers are optimistic that Roethlisberger will play.

Regardless, the Steelers have their work cut out for them as the rejuvenated San Francisco 49ers are playing at home with their own fish to fry — a shot at a first round bye in the NFC playoffs.

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