AFC Playoff Picture: Steelers options opening up after Week 13

Entering Week 13, it was thought the Pittsburgh Steelers only chance at making the AFC Playoffs were by winning the AFC North. Although the goal always remains to win the division, after the major players in the AFC Playoff Picture have concluded their Week 13 matchups there might be more options than thought.

With Miami’s loss in Baltimore in Week 13, and Denver’s loss to Kansas City last week has the Steelers within striking distance of the wild card spot, if they would need it.

Let’s take a look at the updated AFC Playoff Picture after Sunday of Week 13 (the New York Jets and Indianapolis Colts play on Monday Night Football).

AFC Playoff Picture

1. Oakland Raiders - 10-2 - Remaining Games: at Chiefs (9-3), at Chargers (5-7), vs. Colts (5-6), at Broncos (8-4)
2. New England Patriots - 10-2 - Remaining Games: vs. Ravens (7-5), at Broncos (8-4), vs. Jets (3-8), at Dolphins (7-5)

3. Baltimore Ravens - 7-5 - Remaining Games: at Patriots (10-2), vs. Eagles (5-7), at Steelers (7-5), at Bengals (4-7-1)
6. Denver Broncos - 8-4 - Remaining Games: at Titans (6-6), vs. Patriots (10-2), at Chiefs (9-3), vs. Raiders (10-2)

4. Houston Texans - 6-6 - Remaining Games: at Colts (5-6), vs. Jaguars (2-10), vs. Bengals (4-7-1), at Titans (6-6)
5. Kansas City Chiefs - 9-3 - Remaining Games: vs. Raiders (10-2), vs. Titans (6-6), vs. Broncos (8-4), at Chargers (5-7)

In the Hunt:

7. Pittsburgh Steelers - 7-5 - Remaining Games: at Bills (6-6), at Bengals (4-7-1), vs. Ravens (7-5), vs. Browns (0-12)
8. Miami Dolphins - 7-5 - Remaining Games: vs. Cardinals (5-6-1), at Jets (3-8), at Bills (6-6), vs. Patriots (10-2)
9. Tennessee Titans - 6-6 - Remaining Games: vs. Broncos (8-4), at Chiefs (9-3), at Jaguars (2-10), vs. Texans (6-6)
10. Buffalo Bills - 6-6 - Remaining Games: vs. Steelers (7-5), vs. Browns (0-12), vs. Dolphins (7-5), at Jets (3-8)