NFL playoff picture: What does Bengals-Steelers mean for AFC standings?

Game update (Sunday): The Bengals were eliminated from the playoffs on Sunday when the Denver Broncos won their Week 18 matchup.

The Steelers fell to the six seed when the Chargers won on Sunday, so Pittsburgh heads to Baltimore to battle the Ravens for the third time this season.

Game update: The Cincinnati Bengals kept their slim playoff hopes alive with a 19-17 win Saturday night over the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cincinnati needs a loss from the Denver Broncos Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, and a loss or a tie from the Miami Dolphins against the New York Jets, to clinch the final AFC playoff spot.

As for the Steelers, while they are in the playoffs even with this loss, Saturday night’s defeat could see the Steelers drop from the No. 5 spot to the No. 6 spot in the AFC, if the Los Angeles Chargers win or tie against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. The No. 6 seed plays the Baltimore Ravens on Wild Card Weekend, while the No. 5 seed plays the Houston Texans.

Just one week remains in the 2024 NFL regular season.

All four AFC North teams are in action on Saturday, with a pair of games that contain significant playoff implications.

In the early Saturday game, the Baltimore Ravens have a chance to win the AFC North against the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens have already clinched a playoff spot, but they can win the division in that contest.

Saturday night the Pittsburgh Steelers host the Cincinnati Bengals. While the Steelers have clinched a spot in the postseason, they can still win the AFC North if the Ravens lose earlier in the day. As for the Bengals, they need a win — and some help — just to clinch the No. 7 seed.

Here are the playoff scenarios for both the Bengals and the Steelers heading into Week 18.

Pittsburgh enters Week 18 with a 10-6 record, having already clinched a playoff spot.

But the AFC North is still within their grasp.

The 11-5 Baltimore Ravens control their destiny when it comes to the division title, but the Steelers can win the AFC North if the Ravens lose to the Cleveland Browns in the early game on Saturday, and the Steelers defeat the Bengals.

This means that Pittsburgh might know their fate before Saturday night’s game against Cincinnati. If Baltimore wins or ties against Cleveland, the Ravens are AFC North champions. However, the Steelers will still have something to play for.

Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin indicated earlier this week that he would not be resting his starters should the Ravens clinch the division in the early game. Why? Because depending on results around the league there is still a chance the Steelers slide down into the No. 6 spot.

The No. 5 seed will play the Houston Texans on Wild Card Weekend, as the Texans are locked into the No. 4 seed. The No. 6 seed plays the No. 3 seed, which will go to the AFC North winner. Even if the Ravens win in the early game, Tomlin might want to play to win Saturday night to avoid a meeting with Baltimore on Wild Card Weekend.

As for the Bengals, they need a win over Pittsburgh, and some help, to get into the playoffs.

First things first, the Bengals need to win on Saturday night. A loss or a tie against the Steelers eliminates Cincinnati. As noted above the Steelers may know their division fate before kickoff. Pittsburgh can still win the AFC North, but they would need the Baltimore Ravens — overwhelming favorites against the Cleveland Browns in the early game on Saturday — to lose. But if the Ravens win or tie in the early game, the Steelers cannot win the division.

But even if the Steelers are eliminated from winning the division, head coach Mike Tomlin has still indicated that he will not rest his starters against the Bengals. Why? Because the Steelers could fall to the No. 6 seed with a loss of their own, which would mean a trip to Baltimore on Wild Card Weekend. The Steelers can clinch the No. 5 seed, and a game against the No. 4 Houston Texans, with a win over Cincinnati.

Now, assuming Cincinnati wins Saturday night, the job is not done. Because the Bengals need the Denver Broncos to lose to the Kansas City Chiefs (who are resting their starters) on Sunday, as well as the Miami Dolphins to lose or tie against the New York Jets.

This game does not have significant tiebreaker implications.