Steelers Pass Browns in North Standings, Still Outside AFC Playoff Picture

Alan Saunders |

Dec 20, 2021

Steelers Browns — CLEVELAND, OH - OCTOBER 31: Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (22) dives into the end zone to score on an 8-yard run during the third quarter of the National Football League game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns on October 31, 2021, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire)

The Pittsburgh Steelers have moved into third place in the AFC North after the Cleveland Browns loss to the Oakland Raiders on Monday evening.

The 7-6-1 Steelers are a half-game behind leaders Cincinnati and Baltimore at 8-5. The Browns are 7-7 following their loss on a last-second field goal to the Raiders.

.@DanielCarlson38’s kick is GOOD. @Raiders win! #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/AESRInShN1

— NFL (@NFL) December 21, 2021

The win did keep the Raiders alive in the Wild Card race, where they, the Browns, the Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos are all 7-7.

With all of the Week 15 AFC games now complete, here is the conference’s playoff picture:

DIVISION LEADERS

New England Patriots 9-5
Kansas City Chiefs 10-4
Cincinnati Bengals 8-6*
Tennessee Titans 9-5

WILD CARD TEAMS

Indianapolis Colts 8-6 (7-3)^
Los Angeles Chargers 8-6 (5-4)^
Buffalo Bills 8-6 (5-5)^

IN THE HUNT

Baltimore Ravens 8-6 (5-5)
Pittsburgh Steelers 7-6-1 (5-4)
Las Vegas Raiders 7-7 (5-4)^
Miami Dolphins 7-7 (5-5)^
Cleveland Browns 7-7 (4-6)*
Denver Broncos 7-7 (3-6)