Here’s How Steelers Can Still Clinch AFC North Title In Week 18

Even with their Week 17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day, the Pittsburgh Steelers still have a chance to win the AFC North.

Pittsburgh is 10-6 following a three-game skid, with losses to the Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens, and Chiefs. The Steelers offense has been struggling lately, with Russell Wilson averaging only 177 passing yards across the last four contests. Injuries have contributed to this, with star receiver George Pickens returning after missing multiple games with a hamstring injury.

The Steelers’ Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals offers a chance for the offense to bounce back against a team they scored 44 points against with over 500 total yards. Due to their tiebreaker, the Steelers can clinch the division by beating the Bengals in Week 18 and the Ravens losing to the Cleveland Browns, according to Pro Football Network’s Sterling Xie.

“With the Steelers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Ravens’ win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day, Pittsburgh has lost control of the AFC North,” Xie said. “Now, if the Ravens win or tie their final contest, they will win the division. Also, with this loss, the Steelers cannot finish as the AFC’s No. 2 seed.”

“Pittsburgh will win the division if tied with Baltimore under the following circumstance: PIT Week 18 win + BAL Week 18 loss. The conference record tiebreaker will remain in the Steelers’ favor if both teams finish with the same record over the final two weeks.”

Pittsburgh has luckily already clinched a playoff berth and can finish no lower than the No. 6 seed, but can climb to the No. 3 seed if they win the division. The Bengals’ defense allows the fourth-most points against, which should give the Steelers’ offense a chance to return to form in preparation for the playoffs.

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