If the Steelers want to make it to the postseason, they must win on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium.
But unfortunately, they need more than just that. They need help.
In addition to winning, the Steelers need one of two scenarios to play out.
The first scenaro is the Steelers win and the Buffalo Bills defeat the New York Jets in Buffalo. If that happens, the Steelers are in. The Bills did beat the Jets, 22-17, on Nov. 12 at MetLife Stadium.
The second possibility would be if the Steelers win and the Denver Broncos lose their final two games, Monday night vs. the Cincinnati Bengals and next week vs. the San Diego Chargers. The Broncos beat the Chargers, 17-3, on Dec. 6 in San Diego.
The Steelers fell out of a Wild Card spot following their 20-17 loss to the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets overtime win against the New England Patriots.
If the playoffs started today, the Steelers wouldn't be in. But there is one more week, and a lot can happen in seven days.
Here is a look at the remaining opponents for the key teams in the playoff race:
Steelers: at Cleveland (3-12)
New England Patriots: at Miami (5-10)
Cincinnati Bengals: Baltimore (5-10)
Denver Broncos: Cincinnati (11-3), San Diego (4-11)
Houston Texans: Jacksonville (5-10)
Kansas City Chiefs: Oakland (7-8)New York Jets: at Buffalo (7-8)Indianapolis Colts: Tennessee (3-12)
Here is a look at the playoff picture.
AFC Standings:
Division LeadersNew England Patriots – 12-3 – East (clinched playoff)
Cincinnati Bengals – 11-3 – North (clinched playoff)* *
Denver Broncos – 10-4 - West
Houston Texans – 8-7 – South
Wild Card
Kansas City Chiefs – 10-5 (clinched playoff)
New York Jets – 10-5
In the Hunt
Pittsburgh Steelers – 9-6
Indianapolis Colts – 7-8
