The Steelers’ path to clinching the AFC North got a bit windier after Pittsburgh’s 34-17 loss Saturday to their division rival Ravens.
Even with the loss, though, the Steelers remain in pole position for the AFC North. Pittsburgh (10-5) is tied with Baltimore at the top of the division with two weeks left in the regular season.
Let’s see what needs to happen for the Steelers to clinch the AFC North.
NFL HQ: Live NFL scores | Updated NFL standings | Full NFL schedule
Steelers playoff picture
The good news? The Steelers have already clinched a spot in the postseason. Pittsburgh punched its ticket last week after the Dolphins and Texans both lost their games.
But thanks to the loss to the Ravens on Saturday, where exactly the Steelers will be seeded is still up in the air. Pittsburgh can still win the AFC North, but it needs a few things to happen.
POWER RANKINGS: Lions, Vikings rise; Eagles, Steelers take a fall
Steelers clinching scenarios
The Steelers can clinch the AFC North with:
- A win over the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17, AND
- A win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18
The Steelers also can clinch the AFC North in Week 17 with a win against the Chiefs and a Ravens loss to the Texans.
If Pittsburgh loses either of its two remaining games, or both of them, the team’s path get a bit more complicated.
With a win over the Chiefs, and if Baltimore beats Houston in Week 17, the Steelers will also need:
- A win over Cincinnati in Week 18 OR
- A Ravens loss the Browns in Week 18
If the Steelers lose to both the Chiefs and Bengals, the Pittsburgh can still win the division if the Ravens lose both of their remaining games. In that scenario, Pittsburgh would likely be a fourth-seed in the playoffs, entering with a 10-7 record — and that would likely pit the Steelers against the Ravens in the first round of the playoffs.
MORE: How Ravens’ win over Steelers impacts 2024 playoff picture
Steelers remaining schedule
|
Week |
Opponent |
Opponent Record |
|
17 |
Vs. Chiefs |
14-1 |
|
18 |
Vs. Bengals |
7-8 |
Pittsburgh is a 2.5-point underdog against the Chiefs, and ESPN gives the Steelers a 44.1% chance to win. Pittsburgh’s game against the Bengals also appears that it will be pretty close. ESPN gives the Steelers a 53.6% chance to beat Cincinnati.
NFL DRAFT NEWS:
Read the full article here