The AFC North playoff scenarios aren’t too surprising for the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals. Even the Cleveland Browns had hope at the beginning of the season. But in the end, somehow, Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers have put themselves in a position to potentially make the playoffs.
The AFC North is the last bastion of hope for old-school fans that real, bitter rivalries still exist in an online world where players from opposing teams are often friends instead of enemies.
What are the unique playoff scenarios surrounding the AFC North as it relates to the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Pittsburgh Steelers? Let’s find out!
AFC North Playoff Scenarios
The Ravens lost to Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football, putting their chance of winning the division at just 16%. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh’s win brought their odds up to 15% to make the playoffs.
MORE: Current NFL Playoff Picture
Additionally, Cincinnati could continue its fight for the top seed in the conference with a win over Buffalo on Monday Night Football.
Baltimore Ravens Playoff Chances and Scenarios
The Ravens’ situation isn’t particularly complicated. They’re locked into the playoffs, and they are locked into the sixth seed if they lose to the Bengals.
But they can still win the division with the following:
- Bengals loss to the Bills
- Ravens win against Bengals in Week 18
Baltimore has little chance of this happening unless Lamar Jackson is healthy enough to play. But they’ve already stated that seeding isn’t important in their decision to play or sit Jackson.
Cincinnati Bengals Playoff Chances and Scenarios
The Bengals have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL ever since Week 3. They’ve lost just two games and have shown great growth on the offensive side of the ball while Lou Anarumo continues to field a well-coached defense.
The Bengals have already clinched a playoff birth. To win the division, they’ll need the following:
- Bengals win against Bills OR
- Bengals win against Ravens in Week 18
But that’s not all Cincinnati is playing for. They still have a puncher’s chance at the top seed in the AFC — with a little luck. To get there, they’ll need the following:
- Bengals win against Bills in Week 17
- Bengals win against Ravens in Week 18
- Chiefs loss against Raiders in Week 18
Last season, Joe Burrow and the Bengals were a bit of a Cinderella story. In 2022, they took the proverbial next step we all believed they could.
Pittsburgh Steelers Playoff Chances and Scenarios
The Pittsburgh Steelers only have a 15% chance to make the playoffs, according to FiveThirtyEight. To make the dance, they’ll need the following in Week 18:
- Steelers win against Browns
- Dolphins loss against Jets
- Patriots loss against Bills
This season has been one of streaks for NFL teams, and the Steelers’ three-game winning streak has taken them from the basement to legitimate playoff contention with one game to play. It has also allowed them to avoid a losing season for the first time in Mike Tomlin’s coaching career, at least for another week.
With so much to play for in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh feels destined to extend the streak to 16 seasons.