With the results of Week 17's games of the NFL schedule, the Steelers now know what lies ahead of them for playoff possibilities.
The Steelers (10-6) clinched a spot in the AFC playoffs three weeks ago, but their position in the postseason and where that first game will be played remains a question.
The AFC North title remains in the mix.
With a win over the Bengals in Week 18 coupled with a loss by the Ravens against the Browns, the Steelers would win the AFC North title based on tiebreakers. The Steelers would then host a first-round playoff game against the Los Angeles Chargers (10-6).
Los Angeles finishes at Las Vegas against the Raiders in Week 18.
If both the Steelers and Ravens (11-5) win, the Steelers would be the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs and would travel to Houston to face the AFC South champions and fourth-seeded Texans.
If, however, the Steelers lose and the Chargers win, Los Angeles would move into the No. 5 spot in the AFC playoffs and the Steelers would fall to the No. 6 seed.
In that case, the Steelers would travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens for a third time this season. The Steelers and Ravens split their two regular season meetings, with the Steelers winning 18-16 in Pittsburgh and the Ravens winning 34-17 in Baltimore in Week 16.
Two-time defending champion Kansas City (15-1) locked up the No. 1 seed with its win over the Steelers on Christmas Day.
Buffalo (14-3) locked up the No. 2 seed on Sunday with its victory over the New York Jets.
Houston is locked in as the No. 4 seed, while the seventh-seed remains up for grabs between the Bengals (8-8), Dolphins (8-8) and Broncos (9-7).
If the Broncos win against Kansas City in Week 18, Denver clinches the final playoff spot in the AFC. If Denver loses and Miami and Cincinnati both win, Miami claims the final spot.
The only way Cincinnati can claim the No. 7 seed in the playoffs is with a win over the Steelers and a loss by the Broncos along with a loss or tie by Miami.
The Dolphins finish the regular season against the Jets at New York.
