Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Despite back-to-back losses, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to hold only the slimmest of leads in the AFC North. With just two games left to play and a playoff spot already clinched, it is all about seeding at this point and the hopes of hosting a first-round game. Here are the current AFC playoff matchups heading into Week 17.
Kansas City Chiefs No. 1
PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: T.J. Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to knock down a pass by Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
The Chiefs at 13-1 are the No. 1 seed in the AFC and would get the coveted first-round bye. Pittsburgh squares off with the Chiefs on Christmas Day.
Denver Broncos No. 7 @ Buffalo Bills No. 2
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 15: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills passes against Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
The Bills led by MVP candidate Josh Allen host the Broncos and super rookie Bo Nix.
Los Angeles Chargers No. 6 @ Pittsburgh Steelers No. 3
Sep 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) runs after a catch as Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (bottom) and safety Alohi Gilman (32) tackle during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
As it stands now, the Steelers are clinging to the No. 3 seed and if the season ended today would host the Chargers for a rematch of their Week 3 game where Pittsburgh won 20-10.
Baltimore Ravens No. 5 @ Houston Texans No. 4
Aug 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud (7) scrambles out the pocket against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at the Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports
This is the matchup to watch because if the Ravens overtake the Steelers for the AFC North crown, this is the likely landing spot for Pittsburgh.
In the hunt
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 01: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)
The Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals all remain in the hunt and are looking to supplant one of the bottom two seeds in the AFC.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: AFC Playoff picture heading into Week 17