How can the Steelers make playoffs? Week 18 AFC North team's qualifying chances and scenarios explored

Entering into Week 18, the AFC North playoffs situation is nearly set with the exception of the Steelers.

The Baltimore Ravens are the first seed in the conference. The Cleveland Browns are top of the AFC Wildcard spots and have already qualified as well, while the Cincinnati Bengals are out of plyayoffs contention. That leaves only Pittsburgh with something to play for in Week 18.

The Steelers are 9-7 and will finish with a winning record this season, preserving coach Mike Tomlin's record of never having a losing year. They are the ninth seed in the AFC at the end of the Week 17, so they must win in Week 18 to make the postseason.

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What are the chances of Steelers making playoffs?

The chances of the Steelers making the playoffs is tough. Four teams in the AFC have already confirmed their postseason spots, including one Wildcard spot for the Cleveland Browns.

One of the remaining positions will go to the AFC South champions. Therefore, there are only a couple of places available for Pittsburgh to slot into. Their probability is just 29%, as per Next Gen Stats for the NFL.

So, there is a way for Mike Tomlin to take they beyond the regular season still. They will need help from other teams for it to work out.

Can't wait for the playoffs to kick off? We feel you! Use our NFL playoff predictor to simulate the games and see who comes out on top!

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Steelers playoff scenarios entering Week 18

The first thing for the Steelers to do is to win their game in Week 18. That will be easier said than done againt the Baltimore Ravens, the conference and disivion top seeds. However, because Lamar Jackson and Co. have locked up the first spot, they might rotate their roster, giving Pittsburgh a chance to win the game.

However, that won't be enough for Mike Tomlin to lead his team beyond the regular season. If the Buffalo Bills maintain their form and beat the Miami Dolphins, they will get the AFC East crown.

If the Colts beat the Texans, Indianapolis and Pittsburgh will hold the same 10-7 record, and the former will have the tiebreaker in their favor, The Dolphins, at 11-6, and the Browns, both of whom have already qualified, will pip the Steelers for the playoffs spots.

However, if Buffalo loses to Miami, it will be a different situation. With all other things remaining the same as mentioned above, the Bills and Steelers will both end with a 10-7 record.

Pittsburgh will hold the tiebreaker and take the last Wildcard spot for the postseason along with the Colts. Our Sportskeeda NFL Playoffs Predictor is a handy tool to see how that happens.

Pittsburgh Steelers Playoffs Predictor by Sportskeeda

The above possibility is the best chance for Mike Tomlin to take his team to the postseason.

That's because if the Bills win against the Dolphins, the situation completely goes against them. Whether the Colts or the Texans win, which will determine the AFC South championship, both will have the tiebreaker advantage over the Steelers, and at least one of them will finish with the same 10-7 record as Pittsburgh.

However, as our Playoffs Predictor shows us, if the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans, the equation changes. It will not matter who between the Colts or the Texans wins because the Steelers will make the playoffs even if the Bills defeat the Dolphins.

Pittsburgh Steelers Playoffs Predictor by Sportskeeda

Therefore, the first thing Pittsburgh must do is defeat the Baltimore Ravens and must hope that the Miami Dolphins or the Tennessee Titans beat the Buffalo Bills or the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Either of those will send them through. The situation is tough for the Steelers going into Week 18 but not impossible.