Steelers playoff picture: Updated chances for Pittsburgh to make 2025 NFL postseason in Week 16

Teddy Ricketson

Steelers playoff picture: Updated chances for Pittsburgh to make 2025 NFL postseason in Week 16 image

The Pittsburgh Steelers came into Week 16 of the 2025 NFL season sitting in first place in the AFC North. The Steelers had a tough non-conference matchup on the road against the Lions, but thanks to a tiebreaker in their favor over the Baltimore Ravens, were guaranteed to still be atop the division heading into Week 17. 

The Steelers and Lions played a back-and-forth game, but when the dust settled, it was Pittsburgh that came out on top. The Steelers head into Week 17 with a 9-6 record and are still in firm control of their playoff destiny. 

Here is an updated look at the Steelers' chances to make the 2025 postseason in Week 16.

MORE NFL WEEK 16:

Steelers playoff picture

The Steelers' likeliest path to the postseason is to win their division. Pittsburgh is currently in control of its own destiny. If the Steelers can win out, they will be in the postseason with a top-four seed. 

If Pittsburgh loses in Week 17 or Week 18, it would need help from other teams in the AFC to have a chance of making the postseason as a wild-card team. Depending on how Week 17 goes, all eyes will be on the Steelers-Ravens game in Week 18, with the chance that that game will be for the division. 

RankTeamRecord
1Broncos12-3
2Patriots11-3
3Jaguars11-4
4Steelers9-6
5Chargers11-4
6Bills11-4
7Texans10-5
8Colts8-6
9Ravens7-7
10Chiefs - eliminated6-9
11Dolphins - eliminated6-9
12Bengals - eliminated5-10
13Jets - eliminated3-12
14Titans - eliminated3-12
15Browns - eliminated3-12
16Raiders - eliminated2-13

MORE: Updated AFC, NFC playoff picture in Week 16

AFC North standings

The Steelers will head into Week 17 sitting atop the AFC North; the only question will be how large their lead will be. Pittsburgh will have to wait to see how "Sunday Night Football" shapes out between the Ravens and the New England Patriots. If Baltimore wins, the Steelers will still be atop the division with the tiebreaker in their favor. If the Ravens lose, Pittsburgh will have a one-game lead heading into Week 17. 

TeamRecord
Steelers9-6
Ravens7-7
Bengals - eliminated5-10
Browns - eliminated3-12

MORE: Updated 2026 NFL draft order in Week 16

Steelers remaining schedule

The Steelers have only two games left in the season and both are important. Pittsburgh will go on the road to take on the stout Cleveland Browns defense in Week 17. This will set up a home game in Week 18 against the Ravens that could be for the division crown. 

WeekOpponent
17at Browns
18vs. Ravens
Content Producer

Staff Writer