Are the Steelers still in the playoffs? Where Russell Wilson and Co. stand after 34-17 loss to Ravens in Week 16
Russell Wilson and the Steelers came into this game against the Ravens in Week 16 of the 2024 NFL season knowing that a win here would cement the AFC North for them. They had defeated Baltimore earlier and there was a lot on the line. If they had finished the job here they could have gone on to face the 14-1 Chiefs in a better frame of mind knowing that they would at least have a home game in the Wild Card round.
But a 34-17 loss to the Ravens left the Steelers in an uncertain position. They are still sitting atop the AFC North but have to face the Chiefs and the Bengals in their last two weeks. With Russell Wilson struggling in this game and recording two costly turnovers, the last thing they need is a matchup against Patrick Mahomes and Joe Burrow.
Meanwhile, Baltimore now has the same 10-5 record as Pittsburgh. They faced the Texans and the Browns next. Houston will be without Tank Dell for that matchup and Cleveland has long since been eliminated from playoff contention. They will hope to win both these games and top the AFC North.
With all to play for, we look at where the Steelers stand currently.
Steelers' playoff status after losing to Ravens 34-17
The Steelers will definitely play beyond the regular season. They had already confirmed their status for the playoffs even before a ball was snapped today. All that changed in terms of booking a postseason spot is that the Ravens joined them.
However, with two weeks to play, the AFC North top seed is all to play for. Whoever wins will have a Wild Card round at home, while the other team will have to travel for their matchup. If Pittsburgh wins its remaining games, it will get that coveted position. However, there are many permutations that can give it to Baltimore.
On Sportskeeda's Playoff Predictor, we can see one such combination that has the Ravens winning the division and the Steelers finishing just below them as the top seed amongst the Wild Cards. In this case, they have to travel to Houston, who have already tied up the AFC South and would most likely be the fourth seed.
Pittsburgh Steelers' playoff scenario amid 10-5 record
In the above scenario, the Ravens end up winning their remaining games against the Texans and the Browns. The Steelers end up losing both of theirs against the Chiefs and the Bengals. This is the worst-case scenario for Pittsburgh but as an acknowledgment of how well they have played this season, that still drops them into the fifth seed, which means they get to play the lowest-ranked division winners. In this case, it is Houston.
We have previously highlighted the best-case scenario too where the Steelers win both their remaining games and win the division. We now look at the third scenario if both Pittsburgh and Baltimore win one of their remaining games and lose the other.
In that case, it will depend on who loses against their divisional rivals. If the Steelers falter against the Bengals and the Ravens defeat the Browns, Baltimore will have a better divisional record. It is currently 3-2 for both teams. The opposite is also true.
On the other hand, if they both defeat their divisional rivals and lose to the teams outside the AFC North, then we will have to check how their respective performances were in common games. All of this comes into play because their head-to-head record is now 1-1 and they both have a 10-5 record. What is clear is that Pittsburgh and the Ravens will battle for the crown until the final day of the season.