The Steelers finally fell in the AFC playoff picture after their third straight loss, a 29-10 drubbing against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Christmas Day was an important day for the AFC playoff picture. By beating the Steelers, the Chiefs officially clinched the conference’s No. 1 seed, guaranteeing Kansas City a bye through the first round of the playoffs.
The Steelers’ loss and Baltimore’s win over the Texans meant the Ravens leapfrogged Pittsburgh in the AFC standings. The Ravens now hold the No. 3 seed, while the Steelers have dropped to No. 5. Houston stays at No. 4 due to having already won a weak AFC South despite its recent struggles.
The Steelers can still win the AFC North with a win next week plus a Ravens loss. Regardless of how Pittsburgh finishes the regular season, it’s guaranteed a playoff spot. All that matters heading into Week 18 is health, seeding, and momentum.
The current AFC standings are listed below. Teams that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today are marked with an asterisk. Pittsburgh has already recorded wins over the current Nos. 3, 6, and 7 seeds this season. Pittsburgh has also now lost to the Nos. 1 and 3 seeds as well.
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