The Pittsburgh Steelers had a commanding lead over the AFC North early in the season. It certainly helped that the Baltimore Ravens dealt with a bevy of injuries, the Cincinnati Bengals lost quarterback Joe Burrow due to injury, and the Cleveland Browns were, well, the Cleveland Browns. All the Steelers needed to do was continue to pick up wins.
But entering Sunday, they have lost three of their last five games. It wasn't going to be Aaron Rodgers starting against the team he thrived so much against in his career, the Chicago Bears, as he wasn't exactly healed from a left wrist fracture. So it was Mason Rudolph starting under center.
The Bears gave the Steelers multiple opportunities to retake the lead. Instead, after trailing 31-28 and forcing Chicago to punt twice, Pittsburgh couldn't get any points on the board and ended up leaving with a loss.
So, how does this affect the Steelers' playoff positioning?
Where the Pittsburgh Steelers rank in the AFC playoff picture after Bears loss
With this loss, the Steelers are now 6-5 on the year. What makes that even worse is that the Ravens, who started the year off 1-5, have won five straight games, including on Sunday against the New York Jets. Now, the Ravens hold first place in the AFC North.
Playoff Seed | Team | Record |
|---|---|---|
1 | New England Patriots | 10-2 |
2 | Denver Broncos | 9-2 |
3 | Indianapolis Colts | 8-3 |
4 | Baltimore Ravens | 6-5 |
5 | Los Angeles Chargers | 7-4 |
6 | Buffalo Bills | 7-4 |
7 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 7-4 |
Yes, you're reading that correctly. Following the early afternoon slate, the Steelers are on the playoff bubble. Specifically, at the No. 8 spot in the AFC standings.
If the playoffs started today, here is what the first round matchups would look like:
- (2) Denver Broncos vs. (7) Jacksonville Jaguars
- (3) Indianapolis Colts vs. (6) Buffalo Bills
- (4) Baltimore Ravens vs. (5) Los Angeles Chargers
There is no longer room for error for the Steelers. Sure, the Ravens have had a slew of winnable games during their five-game streak. But the Steelers will need to ensure they continue to pick up their wins. Their upcoming stretch of games isn't going to be easy.
Next week, the Steelers host the Bills. The following week, the Steelers are on the road to take on the Ravens. After a game against the Miami Dolphins, the Steelers face the Detroit Lions. The schedule is far from easy.
Could Rodgers make a difference if he's cleared to play? Possibly. But the Steelers need to play with a sense of urgency, as the Ravens are fully back in the playoff picture.