Mike Tomlin was in football ecstacy. The Patriots lost in Miami.

“Just what I needed,” sang the Steelers head mouthie, er, coach. “Bring on those Patriots.”

It’s been a very long and traumatic year for Tomlin, who shouted out all kinds of proclamations and declarations that his Steelers team now knows how to beat the Patriots and that the Super Bowl goes through Pittsburgh and all that mularkey usually associated with his somewhat formidable outfit.

Pittsburgh’s chance to secure the AFC’s top seed by disposing of the reigning conference kings of the 21st century comes Sunday.

Inside information gathered here also reveals that the Steelers have “AFC No. 1 Seed” hats and T-shirts all ready to wear with just the final score of their victory over the Pats needed to be inscribed.

Tomlin insists it’s neither cockiness nor arrogance that will lift his Steelers past the Patriots, despite a career 2-10 mark against the Bill Belichick/Tom Brady dominance, including an AFC Championship Game pounding as recently as last January.

Tomlin knows his players are peaking and speaking their minds, as always. Nothing more. Now it’s time to back up those words, and Tomlin has put up his money for nothing by doing just that.

And seeing the Patriots vulnerable tendencies against the Dolphins just threw Tomlin into euphoria. He’s been heard mumbling about at Heinz Field, “I know how to beat the Patriots. I know how to be beat the Patriots,” a refrain heard around Steeler Town all season, and now while charging onward with their eight-game winning streak.

Steelers fans have bought all in, too. Pre-orders on those “AFC No. 1 Seed” T-shirts and hats are overwhelming Amazon.com, and each fan at the game will receive two Terrible Towelettes, one for each hand, to wave high and forever long during Sunday’s coronation.

“We are on the threshold of a dream,” declared Tomlin. “We know how to beat the Patriots!”

Now Tomlin’s Steelers just gotta go do it.

This Is The Year!

Patriots (-3) at Pittsburgh — Tom Brady looked vulnerable, his offensive line was susceptible, the defensive line horrible. There were no incredibles in Miami last Monday night. Doubts boil over everywhere. But Gronk is back, and so are the recognizable Patriots. Pats, 32-27.

Remember the Herald:

Chicago at Detroit (-5 1⁄2) — The Bears came up with a big win last week. Repeat performances not allowed. Lions, 26-17.

LA Chargers (pick) at Kansas City — The Chargers look like a legit, contending team, which means regression is here. Chiefs, 30-24.

Philadelphia (-7 1⁄2) at NY Giants — The Eagles could get old-timer Norm Snead to quarterback and take down the pathetic Giants. Eagles, 23-10.

Green Bay at Carolina (-2 1⁄2) — Aaron Rodgers returns, but the top Pack takes a sack. Panthers, 28-17.

Cincinnati at Minnesota (-11) — Don’t even think that the Bengals have a shot in this one. Vikings, 27-3.

Miami at Buffalo (-3) — Great win, Dolphins, against the Pats. Call it your season or continue on. Dolphins, 20-16.

Houston at Jacksonville (-12) — Texans are all done. That’s that. Jaguars, 24-3.

New Orleans (-16) at NY Jets — The Bryce Petty era gets off to a spread-beating start, at least, in New York. Saints, 28-18.

Arizona at Washington (-4) — Done with everything to do with Washington. Over and out. Cardinals, 24-16.

Baltimore (-7) at Cleveland — Forget it, Brownies. The 0-16 is all yours. Ravens, 27-10.

LA Rams at Seattle (-2 1⁄2) — Do or cry for the Seahawks. Like the do. Seahawks, 31-24.

Tennessee at San Francisco (-2) — Come on Jimmy G. Every time you win you’re lowering the draft pick of your first favorite team. Titans, 23-21.

Dallas (-3) at Oakland — Raiders coach Jack Del Rio said something’s wrong with his team. He did not look in a mirror. Raiders, 30-24.

Atlanta (-6) at Tampa Bay — Caution: Be just like the Falcons to give it up to the dead Bucs. Falcons, 33-17.

Last week: 8-6-0

Season: 93-102-9