The Steelers moved into a Wild Card Playoff spot with the 34-27 win over the Denver Broncos on Sunday, and if they win their final two games…they are in the postseason.
And according to the NFL's updated playoff scenarios, the Steelers could clinch a playoff berth this Sunday if they defeat the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium and the New York Jets lose to the New England Patriots at MetLife Stadium. New England already clinched their division and a bye, but they are playing for homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.
It won't be easy, though. While Baltimore and Cleveland, the Steelers two remaining opponents, don't have winning records, they will be tough, nasty AFC North battles and both teams would love to play the spoiler role. But fear not. There will be no letdown from the black and gold. The players know what's at stake the next two weeks and will play that way.
The Steelers sit at 9-5 and hold the sixth spot in the playoff race, the second Wild Card Playoff spot. They travel to Baltimore to take on the Ravens on Sunday, Dec. 27, and then play the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, January 3. And again, win both and they are in, and they won't have to depend on others.
There are only two weeks remaining in the NFL regular season, and they are going to be two of the most competitive weeks of football yet.
Here is a look at the remaining opponents for the key teams in the playoff race:
Steelers: at Baltimore (4-10), at Cleveland (3-11)
New England Patriots: at New York Jets (9-5), at Miami (5-9)
Cincinnati Bengals: at Denver (10-4), Baltimore (4-10)
Denver Broncos: Cincinnati (11-3), San Diego (4-10)
Houston Texans: at Tennessee (3-11), Jacksonville (5-9)
Kansas City Chiefs: Cleveland (3-11), Oakland (6-8)New York Jets: New England (12-2), at Buffalo (6-8)
Indianapolis Colts: at Miami (5-9), Tennessee (3-11)
Jacksonville Jaguars: at New Orleans (5-8), at Houston (7-7)
Here is a look at the playoff picture.
AFC Standings:
Division LeadersNew England Patriots – 12-2 – East (clinched playoff)
Cincinnati Bengals – 11-3 – North (clinched playoff)* *
Denver Broncos – 10-4 - West
Houston Texans – 7-7 – South
Wild Card
Kansas City Chiefs – 9-5
Pittsburgh Steelers – 9-5
In the Hunt
New York Jets – 9-5
Indianapolis Colts – 6-8
Jacksonville Jaguars – 5-9
