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Steelers playoff picture: Scenarios, potential matchups, chances to win AFC North division

Nick Brinkerhoff   Paste BN
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Another season, another year without a losing record in Pittsburgh.

The Steelers remain one of the league's most consistent teams and are back in the playoffs for the second consecutive season. However, they'll hope consistency doesn't reign supreme this year. After four straight one-and-done appearances, the franchise is looking for its first playoff win since 2016.

That means plenty of intrigue surrounds the Steelers and their playoff scenarios, with a couple of possible outcomes heading into the weekend.

Here's a look at how it all breaks down for Pittsburgh entering Week 18.

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Steelers AFC North odds

The Steelers remain big underdogs in the AFC North race, checking in at +1800 to finish atop the division, according to BetMGM. After surrendering their lead over the Ravens, oddsmakers don't believe much in the results breaking Pittsburgh's way on Saturday.

Steelers Super Bowl odds

The Steelers are +5000 to win the Super Bowl, according to BetMGM. Oddsmakers have them just ahead of the Broncos as the second-least likely team currently in the bracket to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in February.

How can the Steelers win the AFC North?

Pittsburgh's path to winning the division is clear. The Steelers will need the following to happen to win the AFC North:

  • Steelers Win (vs. CIN) AND Ravens loss (vs. CLE)

Steelers remaining schedule

There is just one more game on the docket for Pittsburgh before they embark on their postseason journey. However, it won't be an easy contest, with the Bengals also needing a win to have a shot at the playoffs. Perhaps the most interesting part of this game is how the Steelers approach it after the Ravens' result.

Baltimore plays at 4:30 p.m. ET on Saturday, meaning a Ravens win would clinch the division. In that case, it remains to be seen whether the Steelers will rest some starters ahead of next week's playoff opener. Mike Tomlin's team still isn't locked into a particular wild card slot, though, meaning there are many moving parts that can significantly change each team's outlook on Saturday.

Here is the Steelers' remaining schedule:

Ravens remaining schedule

Unlike the Steelers, the Ravens just need to defeat the lowly Browns to cement their playoff status. Cleveland is 3-13 and is in the running for the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft. In terms of motivation, both teams' priorities complement each other perfectly.

Here is the Ravens' remaining schedule:

Steelers potential playoff opponents

Despite already clinching a postseason spot, the Steelers still face some uncertainty heading into the final weekend of the regular season. When the action concludes, they can finish as the No. 3, No. 5, or No. 6 seed. As a result, they can either begin the playoffs at home or on the road and have three potential opponents for the wild card round.

Here's who they can play:

The likeliest outcome remains a matchup with the Texans, who are locked into the No. 4 seed. While winning the division would be the preferred outcome, matching up with Houston is arguably the better playoff reality. Capturing the AFC North means the Steelers would be dealt the Chargers, who should be tough to beat.

Considering injuries and a disappointing campaign to this point, the Texans are the more vulnerable team and can potentially make winning the AFC North a fool's errand.

NFL playoff picture Week 18

AFC

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1, AFC West winners, No. 1 seed)*
  2. Buffalo Bills (13-3, AFC East winners)*
  3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5, AFC North leaders)*
  4. Houston Texans (9-7, AFC South winners)*
  5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, wild card No. 1)*
  6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6, wild card No. 2)*
  7. Denver Broncos (9-7, wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Miami Dolphins (8-8), Cincinnati Bengals (8-8).

NFC

  1. Detroit Lions (14-2, NFC North leaders)*
  2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3, NFC East winners)*
  3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6, NFC West winners)*
  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7, NFC South leaders)
  5. Minnesota Vikings (14-2, wild card No. 1)*
  6. Washington Commanders (11-5, wild card No. 2)*
  7. Green Bay Packers (11-5, wild card No. 3)*

In the hunt: Atlanta Falcons (8-8)

An asterisk (*) denotes teams that have clinched a playoff spot. Teams that have clinched division titles are noted accordingly.

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