As the 2024 NFL regular season winds down, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Ravens remain in pursuit of an AFC North title. Both teams played early in Week 17, so let’s examine how the Christmas Day results impacted the division race.
Current AFC North Standings
Here are the AFC North standings at the start of Week 17:
- Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
- Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
- Cleveland Browns (3-12)
With the Steelers’ loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and the Ravens’ win over the Houston Texans on Christmas Day, Pittsburgh has lost control of the AFC North. Now, if the Ravens win or tie their final contest, they will win the division.
Also, with this loss, the Steelers cannot finish as the AFC’s No. 2 seed. The Ravens still have a chance to earn the No. 2 seed if they win in Week 18 and the Buffalo Bills lose out.
The good news for the Ravens is that they have the easier finishing slate compared to the Steelers. Baltimore will host the Browns to finish the season. Pittsburgh’s final game is at home against the Bengals.
Can Anyone Clinch the AFC North in Week 17?
No, neither the Ravens nor the Steelers can clinch the division in Week 17.
With Baltimore’s win and Pittsburgh’s loss, the Ravens are now one game ahead. While the Ravens control their own destiny, a Week 18 Ravens loss coupled with a Steelers win would give Pittsburgh the division based on division record. That’s why the Ravens can’t clinch this week.
The Steelers had no way of clinching this week for the same reason, but they ultimately lost to the Chiefs anyway, so it doesn’t matter.
What Do the Pittsburgh Steelers Need To Win the AFC North?
Pittsburgh will win the division if tied with Baltimore under the following circumstance:
- PIT Week 18 win + BAL Week 18 loss
The conference record tiebreaker will remain in the Steelers’ favor if both teams finish with the same record over the final two weeks.
What Do the Baltimore Ravens Need To Win the AFC North?
With the Steelers’ loss to the Chiefs on Christmas Day and the Ravens’ win over the Texans, Baltimore just needs to defeat the Browns in Week 18 to clinch the division.
Even if the Ravens tie in Week 18, they will win the AFC North. Pittsburgh had control of the division, but after their three-game losing streak, they now need help to win the AFC North.