NFL playoff picture: Steelers postseason scenarios ahead of Week 18
The Pittsburgh Steelers have fallen mightily in recent weeks. After a 10-3 start to their campaign, the Steelers have lost three straight games, fallen out of first-place in the AFC North, and look to be limping into the postseason.
Still, despite their subpar play as of late, they still enter Week 18 with a shot at their first division title since 2020. If they win and the Baltimore Ravens lose, the Steel City will reign supreme in football for the first time in half a decade, but that's easier said than done. Pittsburgh faces a very tough, yet very familiar foe, one that has been riding hot while the Steelers have crumbled, and one that has everything to play for.
Here's the Steelers' opponent, schedule, and playoff scenarios for Week 18.
Who do the Pittsburgh Steelers play in Week 18?
The Pittsburgh Steelers will host their AFC North rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, in Week 18. The Bengals are currently not in position to make the playoffs, but a win against Pittsburgh, combined with losses from both Denver and Miami, would give them a playoff berth.
The Steelers and Bengals last played on December 1 in Cincinnati, with the Steelers winning that game 44-38. Cincinnati committed three turnovers in that game, which ultimately sealed their fate. Pittsburgh also outgained Cincinnati on the ground and through the air.
Pittsburgh Steelers playoff scenarios:
There is only one path to a division title left for the Steelers: they win and the Baltimore Ravens lose in Week 18. The Ravens host the 3-13 Cleveland Browns during the final week. That may sound bad, but the Browns did beat the Ravens earlier this year, winning 29-24 on October 27.
Any other outcome will result in the Steelers earning a wild card spot. They can either earn the No. 5 or 6 seed. If the Steelers win, they are locked into the No. 5 seed, thanks to their Week 3 win over the Los Angeles Chargers. If the Steelers lose and the Chargers defeat the Las Vegas Raiders, the Chargers will claim the No. 5 seed in the AFC.
Who might the Steelers play in the first round of the playoffs?
If the Steelers win the AFC North, clinching the No. 3 seed, they'd play the conference's No. 6 seed, which would be the Los Angeles Chargers.
Should the Steelers earn the No. 5 seed, they'd play the No. 4 seed, which is already locked in as the Houston Texans.
Finally, if the Steelers earn the No. 6 seed, they'd battle the No. 3 seed Baltimore Ravens in the first-round of the playoffs. The Steelers have beaten the Ravens this year when Pittsburgh hosted, but lost when they rematched in Baltimore a month later.
How to watch the Steelers in Week 18:
Date: Saturday, January 4
Time: 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT
Location: Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA
TV: ABC, ESPN
Stream: NFL+, Fubo
Stream the Steelers' Week 18 contest with Fubo, which has a free trial
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