AFC PLAYOFF PICTURE: Steelers need help

1. Kansas City Chiefs (11-4)
The Chiefs blew a chance Sunday night to clinch homefield with a loss against Seattle but still control their destiny with a week 17 matchup over the Raiders. A Chiefs loss vs the Raiders + a Chargers win will Kansas City fall to the No. 5 seed.

2. New England Patriots (10-5)
Despite all signs of the Patriots being a team trending down, there’s no great team in the AFC that opens the door for New England to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl for the third straight year. The Patriots are still in great position to avoid playing on wild-card weekend for the ninth straight season. New England will clinch a first-round bye with a win vs the Jets and still have an outside chance at the first overall seed if the Chiefs and Chargers each lose.

3. Houston Texans (10-5)
A 32-30 loss to the Eagles saw the Texans still clinch a playoff spot due to the Steelers losing. The loss, though, was costly for Houston as New England jumped them for the No. 2 seed. A week 17 victory vs Jacksonville clinches the AFC South leaving the door open for a No. 2 or No. 3 seed, pending the outcome of Pats-Jets. A loss would plant them as the No 6 seed.

4. Baltimore Ravens (9-6)
The Ravens have taken control of the AFC North with one game to go. A win vs the Browns or just a Steelers loss against the Bengals makes the Ravens AFC North Champions. Baltimore is in position to finish with the three or four seed, though, a wild scenario still exists for Baltimore to finish with the two seed.

5. LA Chargers (11-4)
Barring a Kansas City collapse in week 17 against the Raiders, LA looks destined for the No. 5 seed.

6. Indianapolis Colts (9-6)
Win and in is the Colts playoff scenario. A week 17 win vs the Titans clinches either the No. 6 seed or the AFC South Division if the Texans lose.

7. Tennessee Titans (9-6)
Same as the Colts, the Titans playoff chances are simple:
Win and In. Like Indy, the Titans can still finish anywhere from sixth seed or win the AFC South if the Texans lose.

8. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-6-1)
Can Baker Mayfield save the Steelers season? As stunning as it seems after a 7-2-1 start, the Steelers have put themselves in position of being on the outside of the playoff field entering week 17.

The Steelers will need a win vs the Bengals and the Browns to beat the Ravens to make the postseason.

It’s basically AFC North or nothing for the Steelers as earning a wildcard spot has to result in the following happening:

Steelers Win + Ravens Loss + Colts/Titans Tie