Are the Steelers in the playoffs with a win over the Browns in Week 17?

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a chance to lock everything up before the final week of the regular season, and they can do so quite simply.

Entering Week 17, the Steelers control their own destiny in the AFC North and the AFC playoff race. A win against the Cleveland Browns could make Week 18 largely irrelevant.

How the Steelers clinch the AFC North and a playoff berth in Week 17

Pittsburgh will clinch the AFC North title and a playoff berth in Week 17 with either of the following outcomes:

• A win or tie against the Browns
• A Ravens loss or tie (@ Packers)

What happens if Pittsburgh doesn’t clinch in Week 17?

If the Steelers lose to the Browns and the Ravens win, the AFC North race will bleed into Week 18.

Here’s how that scenario would affect Pittsburgh:

• The Steelers would still be alive for the division title, but no longer in control.
• The division could come down to head-to-head or tiebreaker scenarios depending on Week 18 results.
• Pittsburgh’s margin for error would shrink to zero, turning the regular-season finale into a must-win.

Failing to clinch in Week 17 does not eliminate the Steelers from playoff contention. It just delays the celebration and raises the pressure.

Clinching this weekend, on the other hand, would give the Steelers the AFC North crown, a guaranteed playoff spot, and a chance to approach Week 18 with flexibility and seeding considerations.

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