Week 14 AFC North playoff scenarios: Where Ravens, Steelers stand

The Cincinnati Bengals, Baltimore Ravens, and Pittsburgh Steelers were the three AFC North teams that went into Week 13 with a realistic expectation they would make it to the playoffs.

However, it's the Steelers that have a solid hold on top spot in the division following their victory over Cincinnati this week. The Bengals are currently 4-8 and in danger of being eliminated from postseason contention following their loss to Pittsburgh Sunday.

We have taken a look at the current AFC playoff scenarios and the positions of the AFC North teams. The likelihood that these teams will advance to the postseason has also been examined.

Pittsburgh Steelers playoff chances

The Pittsburgh Steelers, who are 9-3 after their most recent victory, are poised to qualify for the playoffs for the fourth time in five years.

It's still difficult to predict whether the Steelers will win the division title because of their tough remaining schedule. They did, however, receive a significant lift this week after Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Ravens.

According to Sportskeeda Playoff Predictor, the Steelers, who still have games against the Browns, Eagles, Ravens, Chiefs, and Bengals to go, will only win one of their remaining games in the regular season. That 1-4 run will still ensure Pittsburgh makes the playoffs, albeit as the No. 7 seed in the AFC.

Additionally, the tool projects that the Steelers will play the No. 2 seed Kansas City Chiefs in the opening round of the playoffs.

Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor

Baltimore Ravens playoff chances

The Baltimore Ravens are in second place in the AFC North with an 8-5 record this season following the loss to the Eagles in Week 13.

The Ravens are still in a good position to qualify for the playoffs even after their Week 13 setback. They would face the Steelers on the road in the AFC playoffs as the sixth seed if the postseason started after Week 13.

The Ravens would need to win two of their final four regular season games in order to qualify for the postseason, since 10 victories will likely be sufficient in the AFC.

Baltimore ultimately goes on to claim the No. 3 spot in the AFC with a 12-5 record, according to Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor. That will set the team up for a wildcard game against the Denver Broncos (No. 6 seed) in the first round of the playoffs.

Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor

Cincinnati Bengals playoff chances

The Bengals' chances of making the playoffs this season are very slim following their loss to the Steelers in Week 13.

The Bengals, who are now 4-8 and 10th in the AFC, can finish 9-8 at best if they win their remaining games. With that record, they could theoretically pass the Miami Dolphins, Houston Texans, Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, Denver Broncos, and Indianapolis Colts, but, in order to have a chance of qualifying for the playoffs, they would need the majority of those teams to lose their remaining games.

According to Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor technology, the Bengals will finish the season with a 7–10 record. Cincy would finish tenth in the AFC standings and miss out on the playoffs.

Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor

Cleveland Browns playoff chances

The Browns are going to have their third losing season in four years after their Monday night loss to the Broncos. If they fall short against the Steelers in Week 14, they will be officially out of the running for the playoffs.

According to Sportkeeda's Playoff Predictor, the Browns will finish with a 4-13 record at the end of the regular season.