Steelers’ on Next Game: A Double-Edged Sword

The middle game didn’t conclude with the Denver Broncos securing a playoff spot, extending the AFC seeding drama into Week 18. Instead, Denver suffered a dramatic 30-24 overtime loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. With a 9-7 record, Denver remains in control of the AFC’s last remaining playoff spot, but the Bengals (8-8), Colts (7-8), and Dolphins (7-8) are still in the hunt.

Another team closely watching? The Pittsburgh Steelers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Although Pittsburgh has already secured a playoff berth this season, its final seeding remains uncertain after a three-game losing streak. However, Denver’s loss ensures that Pittsburgh cannot enter the playoffs as the AFC’s seventh seed, as Denver can’t finish with a better record than 10-7. The Steelers, currently at 10-6, hold the tiebreaker over them. The other contenders for the last playoff spot can’t finish better than 9-8.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

By avoiding the No. 7 seed, the Steelers are unlikely to face a repeat of last year’s postseason, when they earned the AFC’s final seed and lost to the No. 2 seeded Buffalo Bills. This year, Buffalo is all but guaranteed to claim the No. 2 seed, making them a tough matchup.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With the first half of Week 17 concluded, the Steelers are unlikely to face Buffalo or the No. 1 seeded Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs.

While the remaining AFC playoff teams are still tough, Pittsburgh has already beaten the Ravens, Chargers, Broncos, and Bengals this season.

The downside following Denver’s loss is that the Bengals, one of Pittsburgh’s bitter AFC North rivals, are still very much in the playoff race and currently one of the hottest teams in the NFL.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Beyond the rivalry, this means Cincinnati will have something to play for in its Week 18 game against the Steelers, making Pittsburgh’s season finale a tough one.

The silver lining for Pittsburgh is that it could knock Cincinnati out of the playoffs for good in Week 18.

As it stands, the Steelers would head to Houston on Wild Card weekend as the AFC’s No. 5 seed; a win for Pittsburgh and Baltimore in Week 18 would guarantee this. However, much can still change — ESPN’s playoff machine outlines all the scenarios.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For instance, if Pittsburgh wins and Baltimore loses in Week 18, the Steelers would secure the AFC North and host a playoff game against the Chargers.

A loss for the Steelers combined with a Chargers win would send Pittsburgh to the No. 6 seed, likely resulting in a road game against Baltimore. If the Chargers lose as well, Pittsburgh would retain the No. 5 seed and head to Houston.

The playoff tiebreakers and hypotheticals can be complex, but for the Steelers, it’s simple: their top priority is beating the Bengals in Week 18.