Every Pittsburgh Steelers playoff scenario in Week 18

Mike Tomlin’s streak of never having a losing season as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers continues.
Even if they lose to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18, Pittsburgh can still make the playoffs.
The Steelers have the best chance of making the playoffs if they win and the Jacksonville Jaguars lose to the Tennessee Titans or the Buffalo Bills lose to the Miami Dolphins.

Mike Tomlin maintained his impressive streak of never having a losing season as the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, leading them to a crucial 30-23 victory over the Seattle Seahawks this past Sunday. This streak has now lasted 17 years.

Tomlin is now 9-7 heading into the final week of the 2023 regular season, ensuring his 14th winning season with the Steelers, though not all of those seasons have resulted in a trip to the NFL Playoffs. Last year, Pittsburgh finished 9-8 and failed to make the playoffs for the first time in three years.

And, as of now, the Steelers are on the outside looking in when it comes to the AFC playoff picture, as they prepare to face the rival Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. But everything could change in Week 18.

And, despite being ranked ninth entering the week, Pittsburgh has an advantage over some of the teams still vying for the two remaining wild-card spots.

For one thing, with the AFC North and No. 1 seed already secured, the Ravens will likely rest many of their regular starters, including likely NFL MVP candidate Lamar Jackson, making Pittsburgh’s path to victory easier.

Second, unlike some other teams that must win to qualify, the Steelers can lose to Baltimore and still make the playoffs.

Let’s look at each playoff scenario involving the Steelers in Week 18.