Pittsburgh’s playoff hopes

The Steelers aren’t out of the hunt for the final AFC Wild Card spot if they lose to the Jets in Week 16, but they’ll be hard-pressed to make the postseason if they do succumb to a 5-9 New York squad.

Sitting at 8-6, Pittsburgh is currently in possession of the sixth seed in the AFC playoff picture. The Steelers have an edge over the 8-6 Titans by the slimmest of margins — conference winning percentage.

If Pittsburgh loses to the Jets on Sunday, it can say goodbye to that tiebreaker. Factor in a Week 17 matchup with a dominant Baltimore Ravens team and it’s safe to say this is the game the Steelers absolutely have to have if they want to make the playoffs this year.