NFL Playoff Picture: Steelers Front-Runners for AFC North?

In this breakdown of the NFL Playoff Picture, we spotlight on the AFC and see where things stand after the Week 11 action. It’s becoming clear that the Pittsburgh Steelers are in serious contention for the AFC North title. Can they win it in the next few weeks?

WILD CARD SPOTS

First, let’s look at the Wild Card spots up for grabs, assuming the division winners are the New England Patriots, Denver Broncos, and Indianapolis Colts. (The North is too close to call.)

San Diego Chargers (6-4): It’s hard to bet against Phillip Rivers and this offense, but it’s hard to see the Chargers finishing with a record better than 9-7. With games against the Ravens, Broncos, Patriots, 49ers, and Chiefs still awaiting them, I can’t see a favorable outcome once the season comes to a close.

Kansas City Chiefs (7-3): With a huge win against the Seahawks last week, it’s safe to say Kansas City is almost guaranteed one of the Wild Card spots. With some winnable games ahead of them, they should capture a playoff berth if all goes as planned.

Houston Texans (5-5): The Ryan Mallett-led Texans are hanging on, but it’s hard to see them finishing strong and making the playoffs. Things just aren’t coming together perfectly on offense as balance is going to be an issue on their upcoming schedule. Miracles happen, but it’s unlikely one is going to happen in Houston.

Baltimore Ravens (6-4): The Ravens have a chance with a pretty weak schedule at the end, but they haven’t proven to be good enough to be considered a favorite for a playoff spot. While the running game is improved, they’ll need a lot of help to get in.

Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4): With a bye-week in Week 12, Mike Tomlin’s team gets to take a breather and see how everything shakes out. Pittsburgh hasn’t been dominant recently, and with a tough schedule upcoming, it’s hard to imagine they finish with less than six losses. A tie-breaker here seems just about right.

Cleveland Browns (6-4): It had to happen at some point: things aren’t going as planned in Cleveland anymore. Once touted as the class of the division (wait, that was just last week?) the Browns seasons appears to be taking a turn for the worst. They can still salvage it with a strong run game and a few good defensive performances, but things are shaky at best.

Cincinnati Bengals (6-3-1): The Bengals are right where they want to be. They have the ability to completely take the division with two wins against Pittsburgh in the final few weeks, and there’s a lot of healthy help coming back. Andy Dalton will decide the Bengals fate. If he holds onto the ball, they get in the playoffs – it’s that simple.

Miami Dolphins (6-4): Things are improving quickly in Miami, but they’ll have to really advance rapidly in order for these guys to make the playoffs. There’s a tough schedule awaiting them, and the play on both sides can be questionable at times. Ryan Tannehill has the offense on the right track, but can the offensive line hold up?

Buffalo Bills (5-5): They had a nice run, but it’s time to count the Bills out. They aren’t a very talented team on either side of the football. A Kyle Orton-led offense getting into the playoffs? Things could turn ugly down the final stretch for these guys.

POLL OF THE WEEK

Are the Pittsburgh Steelers front-runners for the AFC North? Weigh in below or let us know on Twitter @NFLMocks.