:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/68592064/1283368554.0.jpg)
The Pittsburgh Steelers are headed back to the playoffs this year, clinching the AFC North to punch their ticket for the field of the 2021 NFL playoffs. The Steelers stumbled after an 11-0 start, but bounced back to beat the Colts with an impressive comeback.
The Chiefs have clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC, leaving the Steelers to claim either the No. 2 or No. 3 seed. Playoff expansion this year means only the No. 1 seed gets a bye, so that could impact how teams approach Week 17.
Buffalo holds the tiebreaker edge on Pittsburgh, so Pittsburgh has to win to have any chance of finishing higher than Buffalo. The Steelers can claim the No. 2 seed with a win over the Browns next Sunday and a Bills loss or tie against the Dolphins. If the Steelers win and the Bills also win, Pittsburgh will claim the No. 3 seed.
Pittsburgh entered the season with the second best odds to win the AFC North favorite (+350) and had -137 odds at DraftKings Sportsbook to clinch any kind of playoff berth.