The Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff chances and postseason destiny are looking iffy since it's not in their own hands. Of course, Pittsburgh will have to take care of business against Baltimore to start. However, they need a little more help as well. Let's discuss the Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff chances and playoff scenarios heading into the final week of the season.
AFC Playoff Picture
While most of the teams in the AFC Playoff picture are set, there are a couple of spots up for grabs and we could see a lot of shuffling. On top is the Baltimore Ravens, who have locked up the bye week. After that, there is still plenty to be decided.
The Miami Dolphins and Buffalo Bills play in the final game of the regular season. The winner will win the AFC East. While the Dolphins have clinched a playoff spot, a loss for the Bills could drop them out of the playoffs altogether. Another important divisional game is between the Houston Texans and the Indianapolis Colts. The winner will make the playoffs, and winning the division isn't out of the question either, as the Jacksonville Jaguars could also fall out of the AFC Playoff picture with a loss.
Finally, you cannot count the Pittsburgh Steelers out yet. A win and either a Bills or Jaguars loss would get them into the dance despite all of their quarterback issues. They may be able to sneak in with a loss as well. Craziness.
Let's take a look at the AFC Playoff picture. Remember, the top seven teams in the AFC Playoff standings are in, and winning the division rewards the team with a top-four seed.
The Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff chances are a bit shaky right now, and that's because their playoff scenario and destiny are not in their own hands. Yes, a Week 18 win is needed to keep their hopes alive, but they need other teams to lose as well.
According to PFF, the Steelers' playoff chances sit at 47%. The ESPN Power Index views the Steelers' odds to make the playoffs much less optimistically, at 24.4%. This model also gives the Steelers less than a 5% chance to win a playoff game this year. Let's take a look at the Steelers' playoff scenarios.
Obviously, the Steelers have to defeat the Ravens to keep their playoff chances alive. Then, Pittsburgh would need either the Bills or Jaguars to lose. The would also make the playoffs with a win and a tie in the Texans-Colts game. One outside scenario to make the playoffs would be losses from both the Jaguars and Broncos, then the Texans-Colts game not ending in a tie.
Can the Steelers Make the Playoffs?
Can the Steelers make the playoffs? The answer is absolutely yes! However, if the playoffs started today, the Steelers would be on the outside looking in.
Again, getting a win over the Ravens makes everything easier. Pulling off the victory means the Steelers are playoff-bound if either the Jaguars or Bills lose. However, if the Jaguars and Broncos lose, and someone wins the Texans-Colts game, then the Steelers make the postseason regardless.
Obviously, the Steelers' road to the playoffs is a difficult one. You can bet on the Steelers' playoff odds in either direction ahead of this weekend's matchup.
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