NFL Playoff Picture: Implications Of Steelers’ Week 16 Tilt Vs. Ravens

The Pittsburgh Steelers have arguably their biggest game of the season on Saturday when they take on the Baltimore Ravens.

Where things stand right now, the Steelers are in first place in the AFC North with a 10-4 record and the Ravens aren’t far behind at 9-5. This game could have massive implications for postseason standings. The Steelers currently are the No. 3 seed in the NFL Playoff Picture and the Ravens are listed at No. 5.

When these two teams first met this season, the Steelers came out on top 18-16. If the Steelers win on Saturday, they will put themselves in a position to win the AFC North. If they lose, then anything can happen. A loss would drop the Steelers’ record to 10-5 while improving Baltimore’s to 10-5. Then, from there, it all comes down to the final two games of the season.

Pittsburgh’s final two games of the season are against the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore’s last two are against Houston Texans and Cleveland Browns. The Steelers’ final two games of the season are much more difficult than the Ravens’.

A win over Baltimore on Saturday would give the Steelers a home playoff game, while a loss could throw everything out of whack. Even with a loss, the Steelers would have a chance to win the AFC North, but there also would be a chance that they struggle in the final two games of the season and drop down to a seed between Nos. 5 and 7.

More NFL: Here’s How Steelers Can Clinch AFC North Title In Week 16 Matchup