Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Chances: Scenario For Steelers And Possible Postseason Opponents

After being upset by the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16, the Pittsburgh Steelers no longer control their playoff destiny. Not only does Mike Tomlin's squad need a win on Sunday to keep their postseason hopes alive, but they’ll also need some help from another team.

The scenario is quite simple. In addition to getting a victory over the Cleveland Browns, the Steelers need the Buffalo Bills to defeat the New York Jets. If those two things don’t happen, New York gets the No.6 seed in the AFC instead of Pittsburgh.

The Steelers are heavy favorites in their visit to Cleveland, who have just one win in their last 10 games. The Jets are three-point favorites in their visit to Buffalo, though New York lost at home to the Bills earlier this season.

With only the AFC’s No.6 seed in reach, Pittsburgh has three potential playoff opponents. If the Steelers reach the postseason, they’ll visit either the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos or the Kansas City Chiefs in the first round of the playoffs.

The Bengals are the Steelers’ most likely opponent. That would be the result if every one of Pittsburgh’s potential playoff opponents wins on Sunday. All three teams are favored by at least 6.5 points at Las Vegas casinos.

Below is the complete list of playoff scenarios for Pittsburgh, assuming the Steelers make the postseason. Pittsburgh would be on the road in every potential playoff game.

Cincinnati (Win) Denver (Win) Kansas City (Win)

Opponent: Cincinnati

Cincinnati (Win) Denver (Win) Kansas City (Loss)

Opponent: Cincinnati

Cincinnati (Win) Denver (Loss) Kansas City (Loss)

Opponent: Denver

Cincinnati (Win) Denver (Loss) Kansas City (Win)

Opponent: Kansas City

Cincinnati (Loss) Denver (Win) Kansas City (Win)

Opponent: Cincinnati

Cincinnati (Loss) Denver (Win) Kansas City (Loss)

Opponent: Cincinnati