As the Pittsburgh Steelers prepare for a Week 18 battle against the Cincinnati Bengals that will have an impact on the playoff picture, there are a range of possibilities for the Steelers in terms of seeding and matchups.
Of course, the most notable scenario involves winning the AFC North. If the Steelers win and the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh would win the division and secure the No. 3 seed in the conference.
In that scenario, the Steelers would square off with the Los Angeles Chargers in the first round. There is no other possible opponent beyond Los Angeles if the Steelers grab the No. 3 seed, and Pittsburgh can’t finish any higher than that thanks to the Buffalo Bills‘ superior record.
Another simple avenue to navigate would be if the Ravens and Steelers both win. That would lock the Steelers into the No. 5 seed and a game against the Houston Texans, which might be the most ideal first-round matchup for Pittsburgh. And, assuming he plays, the Steelers would see Diontae Johnson.
If the Steelers lose to Cincinnati, they can still finish as the No. 5 seed but would need the Chargers to lose. And, again, the Steelers would be locked into a showdown with the Texans if that happens.
Every NFL seeding scenario entering Week 18, via @RealJackAndrade: pic.twitter.com/5EkM16aRM6
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 30, 2024
But if the Steelers lose and the Chargers win, Pittsburgh would fall to the No. 6 seed. That would set up a showdown with the Ravens in the Wild Card Round. Pittsburgh cannot finish lower than the No. 6 seed.
The Chargers have already punched their ticket to the postseason and will square off against the Las Vegas Raiders. The only way we could see the Chargers resting their starters is if Pittsburgh locks up the No. 5 seed on Saturday. The Chargers can’t finish any lower than the No. 6 seed.
So, here’s a cleaner look at the Steelers’ playoff matchup possibilities:
Steelers finish as No. 3 seed: vs. Chargers
Steelers finish as No. 5 seed: at Texans
Steelers finish as No. 6 seed: at Ravens
As for the Steelers’ Week 18 opponent, the Bengals, they are going to need some help. On top of beating the Steelers, the Bengals need the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins to lose.
If all that happens, the Bengals will grab the No. 7 seed and draw a first-round matchup with the Bills.
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