The Pittsburgh Steelers have defied expectations in the 2024 NFL season. With Justin Fields starting the year off strong and Russell Wilson taking over and playing even better, Pittsburgh has been competing for the AFC No. 1 seed for most of the year. Unfortunately, that all came to an end in Week 16 thanks to a tough loss to the Baltimore Ravens.
Let’s look at the Steelers’ place in the AFC playoff picture and how their playoff scenarios changed with a loss this weekend.
What Is the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Current Playoff Picture?
Saturday’s loss to the Ravens puts the AFC North right back up for grabs. The Steelers are still on top of the division based on wins against common opponents, but they cannot afford another slip-up. If they lose to the Kansas City Chiefs, even a tie in the final week could be enough to cost the Steelers the division.
Both teams know that Week 18 will be crucial because of its impact on the division record. If both Baltimore and Pittsburgh go 1-1 in the final two weeks and one wins their game in Week 18, then the one that wins their divisional matchup in Week 18 will win the division.
At 10-5, the Steelers are 3.5 games behind the No. 1 seed Chiefs (14-1), so their quest for the AFC’s No. 1 seed is over. They are also one game behind the two-seed Buffalo Bills (11-3). The good news is that the Steelers have already clinched a playoff spot.
They are four games above the Indianapolis Colts, who lead the chasing pack at 6-8. However, with only two games between themselves and the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steelers could yet end up as the seventh seed and on the road with a path that would mean they have to face the No. 2 and No. 1 seed in the AFC if they want a chance at the Super Bowl.
Pittsburgh’s remaining schedule is tough, as the Steelers will face the Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals. Their final game of the year is against the Bengals, who might still be fighting for a playoff spot.
The Steelers were eliminated from the race for the No. 1 seed after the Chiefs beat the Texans in Week 16.
Check out Pro Football Network’s updated playoff percentages to determine the Steelers’ likelihood of winning the AFC North. And then head over to PFN’s free NFL Playoff Predictor to test various scenarios and see how they change the playoff picture and the current NFL postseason bracket.
AFC Playoff Race | Week 18
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (13-3)
3. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
4. Houston Texans (9-7)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
7. Denver Broncos (9-7)
In The Hunt
9. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
8. Miami Dolphins (8-8)
Eliminated From Playoffs
10. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
11. New York Jets (4-12)
12. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)
13. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)
14. Tennessee Titans (3-13)
15. New England Patriots (3-13)
16. Cleveland Browns (3-14)
