Playoff Picture: Steelers Control AFC North Destiny Despite Loss

With their 34-17 loss Saturday evening, the Pittsburgh Steelers allowed the Baltimore Ravens to clinch a playoff spot, and AFC North is now up for grabs. The good news for the Steelers? They control their own destiny in terms of winning the division.

The bad news? A win Wednesday against the defending Super Bowl champions doesn’t yet get Pittsburgh that crown.

Kansas City had a much more fruitful Saturday, defeating the Houston Texans at home and giving itself a shot at securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed Sunday and eliminating the Steelers from contention for the No. 1 seed. To wrap up the top spot, the Chiefs will need the New England Patriots to beat or tie the Buffalo Bills on the road this week.

Kansas City might not have standout defensive tackle Chris Jones for the game against the Steelers, however, after he suffered a left calf injury in the victory.

As of right now, according to NFL.com, the Steelers still own the No. 3 seed in the bracket. Kansas City rests at the top, while the Bills trail behind.

In other AFC news, the Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) turned away the Denver Broncos 34-27 on Thursday night. To be able to make playoff plans, the Bolts need a Miami loss or tie and an Indianapolis loss or tie. As of right now, it appears that Los Angeles and Denver will occupy the No. 6 and No.7 spots in the bracket, respectively.

Three 6-8 teams remain on the bubble, though — the Colts, Dolphins, and Cincinnati. Out of that trio, the Bengals have the best chance of somehow sneaking in at 13%.

The New York Jets, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, New England, and Las Vegas are all eliminated from contention, with most of those teams jockeying for position at the top of April’s draft.