Things change fast in the NFL, and that was recently evident with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In a span of a week, people went from calling for Mike Tomlin’s job to the longtime head coach blowing a kiss at the camera. The NFL is truly a week-to-week league, and this week, the Steelers won a huge game against the Baltimore Ravens and now sit atop the AFC North.
With just four weeks left in the regular season, Sunday’s win did wonders for the 7-6 Steelers. They are currently in possession of a top-four playoff seed, and they control their own destiny. With Week 14 now complete, the AFC playoff picture was shaken up again, but Pittsburgh is finally in a favorable spot.
Updated AFC playoff picture after the Pittsburgh Steelers' win over the Baltimore Ravens
1. Denver Broncos (11-2)
2. New England Patriots (11-2)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (9-4)
6. Buffalo Bills (9-4)
7. Houston Texans (8-5)
8. Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
9. Baltimore Ravens (6-7)
10. Kansas City Chiefs (6-7)
11. Miami Dolphins (6-7)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
The Steelers, after claiming the top spot in the AFC North, are currently the No. 4 seed. It’s no surprise that Pittsburgh’s 7-6 record is the worst for a division leader, but it doesn’t even matter, because it’ll still get the Steelers in the playoffs and a home postseason game. If the playoffs started now, after Week 14, Pittsburgh would be hosting the 9-4 Los Angeles Chargers in a Wild Card game.
The playoffs don’t start now, though, and the Steelers will have to hold on to their division lead for four more games. To close the season, Pittsburgh will play the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns, and Baltimore Ravens. Winning this four-game stretch won’t be easy.
The Steelers have the Dolphins, who have won four straight, the 8-5 Lions, a road game against a divisional opponent in Cleveland, and what could end up being a de facto AFC North championship in Week 18 against the Ravens.
It’ll be tough, but NFL.com gives the Steelers a 66% chance of making the playoffs. Pittsburgh has been up and down this season, but they can’t afford that kind of inconsistency down the stretch of the season.