3 outcomes that impacted the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff chances

Cincinnati Bengals stun the Chiefs 34-31

Joe Burrow and Lamar Jackson have changed how football in the AFC North division is viewed. For years, many thought the division in a vice grip by the men who hoisted the Steel Curtain. The narrative has changed as of late. For Cincinnati, Sunday presented an opportunity to steal the division championship from the ones who doubted their strength. It did not matter who was in front of them, not even Patrick Maholmes.

Four touchdowns and four hundred- and forty-six-yards passing went into securing a top-four seed in the AFC North. Brain Callahan and his offensive staff found their reedition of the infamous version of “gunslinging football.” Andy Reid and the Chiefs continued to fight until the end. Determination was enough to defeat the Chiefs 34-31 in a nail-biting ending.

What’s next for the Steelers?

Monday night football will now be the focus of other players across the NFL. The Cleveland Browns will travel to Heinz Field for a battle that will have multiple things on the line. For some fans, a part of the legacy of Ben Roethlisberger will be cemented into stone as he plays his last game in his home stadium. Others will be focused on securing a win and progressing in the playoff hunt.

Loses by both the Raiders and the Ravens have kept Pittsburgh’s hopes alive, but there is not much room to breathe. Las Vegas holds head-to-head tiebreakers over the Steelers from victories earlier this season.

The Indianapolis Colts also have a tie-breaker advantage over the Steelers as well. Their higher winning percentage could determine who enters the playoffs when the time comes. Although the chances of making the playoffs are slim, the Steelers must carry out their mission of winning in prime time Monday night.