Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff History

Last Modified Dec 8, 2024 17:04 GMT
Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff History
Pittsburgh Steelers at the NFL: Dec 23 Bengals at Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers were founded in 1933 and are one of the oldest teams in the league. The Steelers were established as the Pittsburgh Pirates in 1933 and were renamed the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1940. They are one of the most storied franchises in the Super Bowl era of the NFL, having won the most number of Lombardi Trophies along with the New England Patriots, six. The Steelers also rank one of the highest in playoff appearances with 34 appearances as of December 2024. With 16 Division Championship and eight Conference Championship wins, the Steelers have had their most successful run of form during the 1970s (when they won four Super Bowl titles). Although the 2023-2024 season has been a bit lackluster for the team, they have made it to the NFL Playoffs (in the Wild Card Round).

The Steelers of the post-merger (modern) period are among the most successful NFL teams, particularly during their dynasty in the 1970s. Compared to other NFL teams, the franchise has participated in 16 conference title games and hosted 11 of them. Along with the Denver Broncos, the Steelers have won eight AFC titles; however, they are behind the Patriots' record of 11 AFC titles. The franchise has eight Super Bowl appearances, which ties it with the Broncos, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers for the second longest.

Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Appearances Year-by-Year

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a playoff record of 36 wins and 28 losses out of a total of 64 games, as of December 2024. The Steelers played in 26 divisional rounds, winning 16, and 16 conference championships, winning eight. The team has made eight Super Bowl appearances in 1974, 1975, 1978, 1989, 1995, 2005, 2008, and 2010 seasons, out of which they won six. They lost in the 1995 season against the Dallas Cowboys 17-27 and in the 2010 season against the Green Bay Packers 25-31.

The Pittsburgh Steelers playoff appearances year-by-year are as follows:

YearRoundOpponentResultScore
2023WildCardBuffalo BillsLoss17-31
2021WildCardKansas City ChiefsLoss21-42
2020WildCardCleveland BrownsLoss37-48
2017DivisionJacksonville JaguarsLoss42-45
2016WildCardMiami DolphinsWin30-12
2016DivisionKansas City ChiefsWin18-16
2016ConfChampNew England PatriotsLoss17-36
2015WildCardCincinnati BengalsWin18-16
2015DivisionDenver BroncosLoss16-23
2014WildCardBaltimore RavensLoss17-30
2011WildCardDenver BroncosLoss23-29
2010DivisionBaltimore RavensWin31-24
2010ConfChampNew York JetsWin24-19
2010SuperBowlGreen Bay PackersLoss25-31
2008DivisionSan Diego ChargersWin35-24
2008ConfChampBaltimore RavensWin23-14
2008SuperBowlArizona CardinalsWin27-23
2007WildCardJacksonville JaguarsLoss29-31
2005WildCardCincinnati BengalsWin31-17
2005DivisionIndianapolis ColtsWin21-18
2005ConfChampDenver BroncosWin34-17
2005SuperBowlSeattle SeahawksWin21-10
2004DivisionNew York JetsWin20-17
2004ConfChampNew England PatriotsLoss27-41
2002WildCardCleveland BrownsWin36-33
2002DivisionTennessee TitansLoss31-34
2001DivisionBaltimore RavensWin27-10
2001ConfChampNew England PatriotsLoss17-24
1997DivisionNew England PatriotsWin7-6
1997ConfChampDenver BroncosLoss21-24
1996WildCardIndianapolis ColtsWin42-14
1996DivisionNew England PatriotsLoss3-28
1995DivisionBuffalo BillsWin40-21
1995ConfChampIndianapolis ColtsWin20-16
1995SuperBowlDallas CowboysLoss17-27
1994DivisionCleveland BrownsWin29-9
1994ConfChampSan Diego ChargersLoss13-17
1993WildCardKansas City ChiefsLoss24-27
1992DivisionBuffalo BillsLoss3-24
1989WildCardHouston OilersWin26-23
1989DivisionDenver BroncosLoss23-24
1984DivisionDenver BroncosWin24-17
1984ConfChampMiami DolphinsLoss28-45
1983DivisionLos Angeles RaidersLoss10-38
1982WildCardSan Diego ChargersLoss28-31
1979DivisionMiami DolphinsWin34-14
1979ConfChampHouston OilersWin27-13
1979SuperBowlLos Angeles RamsWin31-19
1978DivisionDenver BroncosWin33-10
1978ConfChampHouston OilersWin34-5
1978SuperBowlDallas CowboysWin35-31
1977DivisionDenver BroncosLoss21-34
1976DivisionBaltimore ColtsWin40-14
1976ConfChampOakland RaidersLoss7-24
1975DivisionBaltimore ColtsWin28-10
1975ConfChampOakland RaidersWin16-10
1975SuperBowlDallas CowboysWin21-17
1974DivisionBuffalo BillsWin32-14
1974ConfChampOakland RaidersWin24-13
1974SuperBowlMinnesota VikingsWin16-6
1973DivisionOakland RaidersLoss14-33
1972DivisionOakland RaidersWin13-7
1972ConfChampMiami DolphinsLoss17-21
1947DivisionPhiladelphia EaglesLoss0-21

Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Win-Loss Record

RoundGamesWinsLosses
All-Time Playoffs643628
Wild Card Round1468
Divisional Round261610
Conference Championship1688
Super Bowl862

Pittsburgh Steelers Conference Championships Record

The Pittsburgh Steelers conference championship record is as follows:

RoundOpponentResultScore
ConfChampNew England PatriotsLoss17-36
ConfChampNew York JetsWin24-19
ConfChampBaltimore RavensWin23-14
ConfChampDenver BroncosWin34-17
ConfChampNew England PatriotsLoss27-41
ConfChampNew England PatriotsLoss17-24
ConfChampDenver BroncosLoss21-24
ConfChampIndianapolis ColtsWin20-16
ConfChampSan Diego ChargersLoss13-17
ConfChampMiami DolphinsLoss28-45
ConfChampHouston OilersWin27-13
ConfChampHouston OilersWin34-5
ConfChampOakland RaidersLoss7-24
ConfChampOakland RaidersWin16-10
ConfChampOakland RaidersWin24-13
ConfChampMiami DolphinsLoss17-21

How many playoff games has Joe Greene played at the Three Rivers Stadium?

Between 1972 and 1979, Joe Greene appeared in 18 playoff games with the Steelers and led them to four Conference Championships, four Super Bowls, and seven Divisional titles. Greene, aka Mean, the defensive tackle drafted by the Steelers in 1969, led the Steelers to four Super Bowl wins. They play at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh as of December 2024, but during the Steelers' most definitive years in the NFL, they used to play at the Three Rivers Stadium.

How many times have the Pittsburgh Steelers made the playoffs with Terry Bradshaw, Jack Lambert, and Joe Greene?

Terry Bradshaw (quarterback), Jack Lambert (linebacker), and Joe Greene (defensive lineman) are NFL Hall of Famers who were vital players for the Steelers team that enjoyed success during the 1970s. Lambert is regarded as the best linebacker of his era. The three Hall of Famers are part of the Steelers team that won four Super Bowls in six appearances (the only team to do so).

Here are the Pittsburgh Steelers playoff games that featured all three of these players:

WeekDate OpponentPoints Scored Points AllowedStadium
1979 Playoffs - Divisional Round30 Dec, 1979Miami Dolphins3414Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh
1979 Playoffs- Conference Championship Jan 6, 1980Houston Oilers2713Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh
1979 Playoffs- Super BowlJan 20, 1980L.A. Rams3119Rose Bowl, California
1978 Playoffs- Divisional RoundDec 30, 1978Denver Broncos3310Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh
1978 Playoffs-Conference ChampionshipJan 7, 1979Houston Oilers345Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh
1978 Playoffs- Super BowlJan 21, 1979Dallas Cowboys3531Miami Orange Bowl, Miami
1977 Playoffs- Divisional Round Dec 24, 1977Denver Broncos2134Mile High Stadium, Colorado
1976 Playoffs- Divisional RoundDec 19, 1976Baltimore Colts4014Memorial Stadium, Maryland
1976 Playoffs- Conference Championship Dec 26, 1976Oakland Raiders724Oakland Coliseum, California
1975 Playoffs- Divisional RoundsDec 27, 1975Baltimore Ravens2810Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh
1975 Playoffs- Conference ChampionshipJan 4, 1976Oakland Raiders1610Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh
1975 Playoffs- Super Bowl Jan 18, 1976Dallas Cowboys2117Miami Orange Bowl, Miami
1974 Playoffs- Divisional RoundsDec 22, 1974Buffalo Bills3214Three Rivers Stadium, Pittsburgh
1974 Playoffs- Conference ChampionshipDec 29, 1974 Oakland Raiders2413Oakland Coliseum, California
1974 Playoffs- Super Bowl Jan 12, 1975Minnesota Vikings166Tulane Stadium, New Orleans

Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Stats

Total Playoff Games Played: 64

Overall Playoff Record (Wins-Losses): 36-28

Total Super Bowls Won: 6 (8 Appearances)

All-time Passing Leader: Ben Roethlisberger 5,440/8,443, 64,088 yds, 418 TD

All-time Rushing Leader: Franco Harris 2,881 att, 11,950 yds, 91 TD

All-time Receiving Leader: Hines Ward 1,000 rec, 12,083 yds, 85 TD

All-time Scoring Leader: Gary Anderson 1,343 points

All-time AV Leader: Ben Roethlisberger 208 AV

Coach with most wins: Chuck Noll 193-148-1

Pittsburgh Steelers Super Bowl Stats

Total Super Bowl Appearances: 8 (1974, 1975, 1978, 1989, 1995, 2005, 2008, 2010)

Super Bowl Winning Seasons: 1974, 1975, 1978, 1979, 2005, 2008

Most Scoring Super Bowl Win: 31-19 win against Los Angeles Rams in 1979

Lowest Scoring Super Bowl Loss: 17-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys in 1995

Also check out:

Chicago Bears Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

Philadelphia Eagles Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

San Francisco 49ers Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

Seattle Seahawks Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

Cleveland Browns Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

Las Vegas Riders Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

Buffalo Bills Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

New Orleans Saints Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

Baltimore Ravens Playoff History, Appearances, Wins and more

FAQs on Pittsburgh Steelers

A. Yes, the Pittsburgh Steelers, between 1933 and 1939, were known as the Pittsburgh Pirates. In 1940, the team changed their name to the Steelers.

A. The quarterback for the Pittsburgh Steelers is Russell Wilson, since March 2024. 

A. The Steelers catchphrase is "Here We Go, Steelers". 

A. Pittburgh Steelers have a large and loyal fanbase who are known as the Steelers Nation.

A. The ownership of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been within the Rooney family since the organization's founding. 

Related Stories

NFL Countdown. Steelers hit the jackpot with the 1974 draft NFL Countdown. Steelers hit the jackpot with the 1974 draft
NFL Countdown. Steelers hit the jackpot with the 1974 draft
Can the Pittsburgh Steelers will Win the AFC North? Breaking down their chances following 1st round of 2023 NFL Draft Can the Pittsburgh Steelers will Win the AFC North? Breaking down their chances following 1st round of 2023 NFL Draft
Can the Pittsburgh Steelers will Win the AFC North? Breaking down their chances following 1st round of 2023 NFL Draft
Steelers to the Playoffs in 2023? Looking at the Pro Bowl powerhouse in Steel City Steelers to the Playoffs in 2023? Looking at the Pro Bowl powerhouse in Steel City
Steelers to the Playoffs in 2023? Looking at the Pro Bowl powerhouse in Steel City
Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris - 5 most iconic plays featuring Steelers legends Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris - 5 most iconic plays featuring Steelers legends
Terry Bradshaw and Franco Harris - 5 most iconic plays featuring Steelers legends
Franco Harris net worth: How much was Steelers legend worth in 2022? Franco Harris net worth: How much was Steelers legend worth in 2022?
Franco Harris net worth: How much was Steelers legend worth in 2022?
"He could have possibly been starting for us this year", "Hate the Steelers, love the Buckeyes. This is a pretty cool gesture" - NFL fans react to Steelers' touching gesture for late QB Dwayne Haskins "He could have possibly been starting for us this year", "Hate the Steelers, love the Buckeyes. This is a pretty cool gesture" - NFL fans react to Steelers' touching gesture for late QB Dwayne Haskins
"He could have possibly been starting for us this year", "Hate the Steelers, love the Buckeyes. This is a pretty cool gesture" - NFL fans react to Steelers' touching gesture for late QB Dwayne Haskins
NFL Countdown: Steelers repeat history thanks to heroics of '79 NFL Countdown: Steelers repeat history thanks to heroics of '79
NFL Countdown: Steelers repeat history thanks to heroics of '79
Steelers to honor late Dwayne Haskins by wearing “3” sticker on back of their helmets Steelers to honor late Dwayne Haskins by wearing “3” sticker on back of their helmets
Steelers to honor late Dwayne Haskins by wearing “3” sticker on back of their helmets
NFL Countdown: Super Bowl 40 a moment 14 years in the making for Steelers legend Bill Cowher NFL Countdown: Super Bowl 40 a moment 14 years in the making for Steelers legend Bill Cowher
NFL Countdown: Super Bowl 40 a moment 14 years in the making for Steelers legend Bill Cowher
WATCH: Steelers rookie celebrates first NFL TD with trademark Antonio Brown dance WATCH: Steelers rookie celebrates first NFL TD with trademark Antonio Brown dance
WATCH: Steelers rookie celebrates first NFL TD with trademark Antonio Brown dance