Steelers Playoff Chances: Will Pittsburgh Make the NFL Posteason?

Where the Steelers Stand Right Now

Pittsburgh leads the AFC North at 7-6, holding a 1/2-game edge over the Ravens, who sit at 7-7, following their shut-out win over Cincinnati. That matters more than anything else at this point in the season. Winning the division guarantees a playoff spot, and right now the Steelers are in the driver’s seat after defeating the Ravens on Sunday.

According to playoff projections, Pittsburgh has around a 56 percent chance to reach the postseason. Those odds reflect both their current position and the reality that many AFC teams are still bunched together. The Steelers are not safe, but they are in a far better position than teams chasing them.

If the season ended today, Pittsburgh would be in. The challenge is keeping it that way.

Why 'Monday Night Football' Matters So Much

The Steelers face the Miami Dolphins (6-7) on "Monday Night Football," and this game will ripple across the AFC standings. A win would keep Pittsburgh alone atop the division and create valuable breathing room heading into the final three weeks.

A loss changes the tone completely. Baltimore would be right back in the mix, tied with the Steelers. Teams like the Houston Texans (9-5) and Indianapolis Colts (8-5) would stay ahead.

Beyond the standings, Monday night is about momentum. December football is about confidence, and a prime-time win can carry weight into a tough final stretch.

The Remaining Schedule Is a Test

After Miami, Pittsburgh heads on the road to face the Detroit Lions in Week 16. Detroit is fighting for playoff positioning of its own, and that environment will be anything but easy. Then comes a trip to face the Cleveland Browns in Week 17, a rivalry game that rarely follows the script.

The regular season closes with Baltimore visiting Pittsburgh in Week 18. There is a very real chance that the game decides the AFC North. If the standings remain tight, it could be a winner-take-all scenario.

These are not games that allow for complacency. Every week brings pressure.

How Pittsburgh Gets to the Playoffs

The simplest path is winning the division. Take care of business, win the head-to-head matchups and the Steelers avoid scoreboard watching.

If Pittsburgh stumbles, the wild card remains an option, but it comes with far more uncertainty. That path would rely on tiebreakers and help from other teams, something no locker room wants to depend on.

The Steelers have stayed competitive all season. Now they have to be consistent.

The Bottom Line

Pittsburgh is in a familiar place. Not dominant. Not comfortable. But very much alive.

Monday night against Miami is the next big checkpoint. Win, and the Steelers keep control of their season. Lose, and the final weeks become tense and unforgiving.

Either way, the AFC North is still wide open, and the Steelers have a chance to decide their own fate.

Pittsburgh hosts Miami at 8:15 p.m. Monday on ESPN.