NFL Playoff Picture: Steelers lose to Browns but remain near the top of the AFC

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The Steelers’ midseason winning streak finally ended on Thursday, with Pittsburgh falling to the Cleveland Browns with a score of 24-19.

It was an ugly game for the Steelers that showcased a number of team weaknesses. But as far as the postseason is concerned, Pittsburgh’s current playoff seed is secure for another week despite the loss. The Steelers entered Week 12 as the top team in the AFC North and the No. 3 team in the AFC, and no matter what happens the rest of the week, that’ll stay the same.

However, with the loss Pittsburgh drops to 8-3, putting them further behind the Chiefs and Bills in the race for the No. 1 seed. Additionally, the 7-4 Baltimore Ravens are now just one game behind the Steelers and in prime position to challenge for the AFC North lead in the coming weeks.

The current AFC standings are listed below. Teams that would be in the playoffs if the season ended today are marked with an asterisk. Pittsburgh has already recorded wins over the current Nos. 5, 6, and 7 seeds this season.

AFC Standings during Week 12

1. Kansas City Chiefs (9-1)*
2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)*
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)*
4. Houston Texans (7-4)*
5. Los Angeles Chargers (7-3)*
6. Baltimore Ravens (7-4)*
7. Denver Broncos (6-5)*
8. Indianapolis Colts (5-6)
9. Miami Dolphins (4-6)
10. Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
11. Cleveland Browns (3-8)
12. New York Jets (3-8)
13. New England Patriots (3-8)
14. Tennessee Titans (2-8)
15. Las Vegas Raiders (2-8)
16. Jacksonville Jaguars (2-9)

Currently, NFL.com gives the Steelers a 94% chance of making the playoffs. It’s a drop from last week’s 98%, but 8-3 Pittsburgh is still incredibly likely to make the postseason.