If there is one thing Steelers players know, it is that they can't depend on other teams when it comes to the playoff hunt. They have to get the job done themselves.
They did just that on Sunday night, staying in the playoff hunt with a resounding 45-10 win over the Indianapolis Colts at Heinz Field to improve their record to 7-5.
It was a much-needed win in the tight AFC playoff race, but it still doesn't put the Steelers in the position they want to be in. If the playoffs were to begin today, the Steelers would still be on the outside looking in. The Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets, the two teams holding the wild card spots, both have the same 7-5 record as the Steelers, but have better conference records.
There are still four games to go though, and there is no doubt things are going to heat up.
The Steelers remaining schedule includes hitting the road this Sunday against the AFC North division leading Cincinnati Bengals (10-2) and then back home the following week against Denver (10-2), The Steelers close out the regular season on the road against the Baltimore Ravens (4-8) and Cleveland Browns (2-10).
The other teams in the wild card race have the following schedule remaining:
Kansas City: San Diego (3-9), at Baltimore (4-8), Cleveland (2-10), Oakland (5-7)
New York Jets: Tennessee (3-9), at Dallas (3-8), New England (10-2), at Buffalo (6-6)
Houston: New England (10-2), at Indianapolis (6-6), at Tennessee (3-9), Jacksonville (4-8)
Buffalo Bills: at Philadelphia (5-7), at Washington (5-6), Dallas (3-8), New York Jets (7-5)
Here is a look at the playoff picture.
AFC Standings:
Division Leaders
Cincinnati Bengals – 10-2 – North* *
Denver Broncos – 10-2 - West
New England Patriots – 10-2 – East
Indianapolis Colts – 6-6 - South
Wild Card
Kansas City Chiefs – 7-5
New York Jets – 7-5
In the Hunt
Pittsburgh Steelers – 7-5
Buffalo Bills – 6-6
Houston Texans – 6-6
