We’re all aware of the significance of seeding. The game against the Packers isn't the only contest that matters to Steelers Nation. The Chiefs-Giants game from last week is a prime example of that. Here’s a guide to other significant matchups and whose losses would benefit the Steelers more this weekend.
If the season ended today, the Steelers would have the top seed in the AFC. Here are the current AFC playoff standings.
- Pittsburgh Steelers 8-2 (Would win AFC North and get a first-round bye)
- New England Patriots 8-2 (Would win AFC East and get a first-round bye)
- Jacksonville Jaguars 7-3 (Would win AFC South and host Wild Card Baltimore)
- Kansas City Chiefs 6-4 (Would win AFC West and host Wild Card Tennessee)
- Tennessee Titans 6-4 (Would earn Wild Card and travel to Kansas City)
- Baltimore Ravens 5-5 (Would earn Wild Card and travel to Jacksonville)
- Buffalo Bills 5-5
- Los Angeles Chargers 5-6
- Miami Dolphins 4-6
- New York Jets 4-6
- Cincinnati Bengals 4-6
- Oakland Raiders 4-6
- Houston Texans 4-6
- Indianapolis Colts 3-7
- Denver Broncos 3-7
- Cleveland Browns 0-10
Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots: Sun 1:00 PM
Who to root for: The Pats are rolling and looking like possible juggernauts again. Pittsburgh wins the tiebreaker due to a better AFC record right now, but that could change. A little distance and some signs of Patriot vulnerability would be nice.
Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs: Sun 1:00 PM
Who to root for: Nobody circles the wagons like the Buffalo Bills, but it's more like circling the drain after last week. After losing last week, the Chiefs are two, and a head-to-head loss, behind Pittsburgh. So a loss furthers the divide. As for the Bills, the Ravens are heating up and closing in on the playoffs. They need to rebound big.
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals: Sun 1:00 PM
Who to root for: Cincy has been playing better as of late. They have an actual chance to sneak into the Wild Card. And I'd rather not see the Browns go winless and get the top overall pick in 2018. Brownies.
Jacksonville Jaguars at Arizona Cardinals: Sun 4:25 PM
Who to root for: Once again, the Steelers’ Week-5 loss to the 7-3 Jags looms large. It gives them a head-to-head tiebreaker against Pittsburgh. Jacksonville needs to lose.
Houston Texans at Baltimore Ravens: Mon 8:30 PM
Who to root for: The Ravens are currently the sixth seed and are competing to cement the Wild Card and they are the Ravens. But the Ravens do handle the Pats well, but still might not face them in the tourney. Gotta go for the Texans.
Other Week-12 contests featuring an AFC foe:
Carolina Panthers at New York Jets (Sun 1:00 PM)
Tennessee Titans at Indianapolis Colts (Sun 1:00 PM)
Denver Broncos at Oakland Raiders (Sun 4:25 PM)