Can the Steelers still make the playoffs? Here’s what the numbers say

With the NFL season nearing its final stretch, the Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves in a familiar type of drama - fighting to stay alive in the playoff race.

At 7-6 and leading the AFC North, they are technically still in contention for January football. But a closer look at the numbers suggests their pathway is narrow and full of danger.

Pittsburgh’s current record reflects an up-and-down campaign. After a torrid stretch in the middle section of the season that saw them lose multiple games they had hoped to win, the Steelers have steadied enough to hold first place in their division. The AFC North remains tighter than a RoboCop handshake, with the Baltimore Ravens only a game back and other division foes lurking.

Analytical models paint an encouraging but cautious outlook. ESPN’s Football Power Index currently rates the Steelers as favourites to win the AFC North, with roughly a two-thirds chance of doing so. That’s particularly important because an outright division title would mean automatic entry into the postseason. Wild-card spots, by contrast, are crowded and unpredictable.

Yet Pittsburgh’s fate is not entirely in their own hands. Losses by conference rivals like the Chargers, Bills and Texans could boost the Steelers’ relative position in the wild-card standings, but there are enough teams with similar records that the margin for error is thin. One slip is enough for their season to fall apart.

The schedule ahead will test the Steelers’ mettle. Every game carries weight not just for wins and losses, but also for potential tie-breakers that could determine seeding. If Pittsburgh can win out, particularly against divisional rivals, their odds of dancing in January rise sharply. But if they falter even once, the dominoes could quickly fall against them.

Looking across the league, a handful of teams have already locked up playoff berths or are on the brink. Denver have clinched their spot with an impressive 12-2 record, and Buffalo appears poised to follow. That puts pressure on Pittsburgh to maximise the remaining opportunities, especially within the division and against AFC opponents.

Related stories

NFL

Dolphins need to make waves to keep hopes alive

NFL

Time running out on Tomlin

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all. Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.