Mike Tomlin’s team keeps getting the job done. The Pittsburgh Steelers are 9-3 and in a position to make the playoffs for the fourth time in the past five seasons, with quarterback Russell Wilson’s entry into the starting lineup proving to be a launching point for the club’s offense.
But the AFC North title won’t come easily. What does the division race look like after their victory over the Bengals in Week 13, and what are the Steelers’ Super Bowl chances? Let’s take a look at Pittsburgh’s odds with the help of Pro Football Network’s Playoff Predictor.
Can the Steelers Make the Playoffs?
Heading into Week 14, the Pittsburgh Steelers are 9-3 and now have a 95.8% chance to make the playoffs.
They have a 4.7% chance for the first seed, a 18.9% chance for the second seed, a 39.3% chance for the third seed, a 2.7% chance for the fourth seed, a 13.5% chance for the fifth seed, a 11.0% chance for the sixth seed, and a 5.8% chance for the seventh seed.
Can the Steelers Win the AFC North?
Here’s what the AFC North race looks like heading into Week 14:
- The Pittsburgh Steelers have a 65.6% chance to win the AFC North.
- The Baltimore Ravens have a 34.2% chance to win the AFC North.
- The Cincinnati Bengals have a 0% chance to win the AFC North.
- The Cleveland Browns have a 0% chance to win the AFC North.
Current AFC North Standings
- Pittsburgh Steelers (9-3)
- Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
- Cincinnati Bengals (4-8)
- Cleveland Browns (3-9)
AFC Playoff Race | Week 18
1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (13-3)
3. Baltimore Ravens (12-5)
4. Houston Texans (9-7)
5. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6)
6. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7)
7. Denver Broncos (9-7)
In The Hunt
9. Cincinnati Bengals (9-8)
8. Miami Dolphins (8-8)
Eliminated From Playoffs
10. Indianapolis Colts (7-9)
11. New York Jets (4-12)
12. Las Vegas Raiders (4-12)
13. Jacksonville Jaguars (4-12)
14. Tennessee Titans (3-13)
15. New England Patriots (3-13)
16. Cleveland Browns (3-14)
Steelers’ Super Bowl Chances After Week 13
Can the Steelers win the Super Bowl? The PFN Playoff Predictor projects that Pittsburgh has a 6.2% chance of winning its seventh Lombardi.
Remaining Steelers Schedule
- Week 14: vs. Cleveland Browns
- Week 15: at Philadelphia Eagles
- Week 16: at Baltimore Ravens
- Week 17: vs. Kansas City Chiefs
- Week 18: vs. Cincinnati Bengals
What PFN Predicted for the Steelers vs. Bengals Matchup
Wilson has established a connection with deep-ball maven George Pickens, who’s hauled in 26 catches on 40 targets for 413 yards and two touchdowns since the veteran quarterback took over. Among wide receivers with at least 100 routes since Week 7, Pickens ranks sixth in yards per route run (2.60), 13th in receptions per route (16.35%), and 12th in target share (25.2%).
During that stretch, Pickens is averaging 15.07 air yards per target, the sixth-deepest among qualified wideouts. He’ll be a problem for a Bengals secondary missing contributors like Daxton Hill and DJ Turner II, both of whom are out with season-ending injuries. Fifth-round rookie Josh Newton will also miss his first career start against Pickens and the Steelers on Sunday.
Cincinnati’s defensive backfield was struggling even before injuries struck. In the four games before their Week 12 bye, the Bengals allowed an explosive pass on 20.9% of opponent dropbacks, the worst rate in the NFL.
On the other side of the ball, Cincinnati’s offense is still firing on all cylinders. Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, Tee Higgins, et al. are averaging 34 points per game over their last three tilts, including a 27-point effort against the Chargers, who entered Week 11 ranked fourth in defensive efficiency.
The Steelers’ defense presents a stiff test on par with the Bolts’ unit. That starts up front, where Pittsburgh and Cincinnati’s trench play is heading in opposite directions.
Over their last four games, the Bengals’ offensive line has given up pressure on 40.6% of Burrow’s dropbacks, the fourth-worst rate in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Steelers are pressuring opposing quarterbacks on 41.7% of dropbacks over their last four games, the second-best mark in the league.
It’s an unstoppable force meeting a very movable object. Bengals left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.’s pending return should help, but whether Burrow will have enough time to connect with Chase and Higgins consistently is an open question.
PFN Prediction: Steelers 28, Bengals 27