Where do the Steelers stand in the crowded AFC playoff race?

The AFC playoff picture is tightening as the Pittsburgh Steelers secure their spot, with seeding battles heating up among top contenders.

Steelers fans rejoice! Although the matchup with the Philadelphia Eagles left much to be desired for the Black and Gold faithful, the Pittsburgh Steelers clinched a playoff spot following losses by the Indianapolis Colts and Los Angeles Chargers in Week 15. However, the playoff race remains extremely tight, with the Steelers currently holding the number three seed in the AFC.

The AFC playoff standings are beginning to take shape. The 13-1 Kansas City Chiefs hold the number one seed, followed by the other AFC divisional leaders: the 11-3 Buffalo Bills, the 10-4 Pittsburgh Steelers, and the 9-5 Houston Texans.

After the divisional leaders, seeded one through four, the AFC wild-card teams are as follows: the fifth-seeded 9-5 Baltimore Ravens, the sixth-seeded 9-5 Denver Broncos, and the seventh-seeded 8-6 Los Angeles Chargers.

Currently in the hunt are three AFC teams locked in a three-way tie, with identical 6-8 records: the Indianapolis Colts, the Miami Dolphins, and the Cincinnati Bengals.

An intriguing aspect of the playoff race is that, if the season ended today, the 10-4 Pittsburgh Steelers would host the 9-5 Denver Broncos in the wild-card round.  Furthermore, the Steelers can also secure the AFC North divisional title with a win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 16.

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