Updated with potential matchup scenarios.
The combination of a 28-12 Steelers victory over the Cleveland Browns, and a New York Jets 22-17 loss to the Buffalo Bills, has earned the Steelers a playoff berth.
The Steelers go in as the No. 6 seed and will play the AFC's No. 3 seed in a Wild Card game the weekend of Jan. 9-10. The No. 3 seed will not be determined until the Denver Broncos-San Diego Chargers game is final. The Steelers could potentially play the Cincinnati Bengals, Denver Broncos, or Kansas City Chiefs, all on the road.
Here is how it could play out:
If the Broncos defeat the Chargers, they are the No. 1 seed, New England No. 2 and Cincinnati No. 3 and the Steelers would travel to Cincinnati.
If Denver loses and Kansas City wins, New England No. 1 seed, Cincinnati No. 2, and Kansas City No. 3 seed and the Steelers would travel to Kansas City.
If Denver and Kansas City both lose, New England No. 1, Cincinnati No. 2 and Denver No. 3 and Steelers would go to Denver.
This is the fifth playoff berth under Coach Mike Tomlin, who has a 5-4 postseason record and has led the Steelers to two Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl XLIII. The Steelers are 33-23 overall in the postseason.
Check back here for more on the Steelers clinching a playoff berth throughout the evening.
