Steelers’ playoff scenarios and chances entering TNF game vs Browns

Steelers’ playoff scenarios and chances entering TNF game vs Browns
Steelers Wire Steelers Wire

The 2024 NFL season has been a wild ride for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Not many predicted Pittsburgh to sit pretty at 8-2 beyond the halfway mark, let alone as legit contenders to take the AFC North crown.

The playoff picture comes more into focus with each game played, starting tonight when the Steelers take on the Cleveland Browns.

Here’s a review of the Steelers’ playoff odds and scenarios:

Can the Steelers make the playoffs?

Heck yes, the Steelers can make the playoffs. They’ve only missed that opportunity six times in 17 seasons under head coach Mike Tomlin. Unfortunately, for as many times as they’ve been there, they haven’t made it beyond the first round since 2016.

According to Jason Katz of Pro Football Network, Pittsburgh has a 97.1% chance to make the playoffs.

Here’s what the seeding looks like after Week 11:

  • 9.7% chance for the No. 1 seed
  • 30.9% chance for the No. 2 seed
  • 25.4% chance for the No. 3 seed
  • 3.0% chance for the No. 4 seed
  • 15.3% chance for the No. 5 seed
  • 9.1% chance for the No. 6 seed
  • 3.7% chance for the No. 7 seed

Can the Steelers win the AFC North?

Whether the Steelers can take the AFC North crown remains muddled, given there are still five more division games to be played and the Ravens — and, technically, even Bengals — are still in the hunt.

Current AFC North Standings

1.) Pittsburgh Steelers (8-2)
2.) Baltimore Ravens (7-4)
3.) Cincinnati Bengals (4-7)
4.) Cleveland Browns (2-8)

Steelers’ Super Bowl chances after Week 11

Only those in Steelers Nation wearing Black and Gold colored glasses think the Steelers will actually make it to the Super Bowl. They’re winning but not dazzling defenses by any stretch of the imagination.

The PFN Playoff Predictor projects the Steelers have a 3.0% chance of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy in New Orleans in February.

Steelers remaining 2024 NFL schedule

Pittsburgh’s path to taking the North won’t be easy. Their remaining schedule is fraught with division games, the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs, and the 8-2 Philadelphia Eagles.

  • Week 12: Thurs., Nov. 21: @ Cleveland Browns, 8:15 p.m.
  • Week 13: Sun., Dec. 1: @ Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m.
  • Week 14: Sun., Dec. 8: vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m.
  • Week 15: Sun., Dec. 15: @ Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m.
  • Week 16: Sat., Dec. 21: @ Baltimore Ravens, 4:30 p.m.
  • Week 17: Wed., Dec. 25: vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m.
  • Week 18: Sun., Jan. 5: vs. Cincinnati Bengals, TBD