Can the Steelers still make the playoffs? Here’s what the numbers say
Pittsburgh’s playoff odds have slipped after Week 10, but the remaining schedule leaves room for a late-season surge.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff path recently became a little rockier. Following their Week 10 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, the Steeler’s playoff chances dropped to around 41%, with just a 32.7% shot to win the AFC North and 2.7% odds to reach the Super Bowl, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.
It’s not a doomsday scenario, but it’s certainly a reality check as the Steelers were riding high on the Aaron Rodgers resurgence story and previously led the division.
Until Tomlin is gone, nothing will ever change with the #Steelers. They’ve taken the joy out of winning, because when they do, you know it makes it less likely changes will happen pic.twitter.com/ecvCTI58K0
— Steelers Sanctuary (@SteelerSanc16) November 10, 2025
The state of the Steelers
At 5-4-1, the Steelers are still in the AFC playoff race, but the room for error has become much smaller. Their defense, long considered the backbone of Mike Tomlin’s teams, has been inconsistent all year. They’ve been boom-or-bust, dominant when forcing turnovers (five takeaways in a win over New England, six against Indianapolis) but flat when the big plays don’t come.
That inconsistency has shown up in the pass rush, too. Despite ranking top five in total sacks (27 entering Week 10), Pittsburgh has been held to two or fewer sacks in four separate games, which has been a major factor in their losses.
On offense, Rodgers’ command of the playbook has brought flashes of efficiency, but the team remains inconsistent. Against the Chargers, the offense put up just one touchdown after halftime and converted just 3-of-11 on third downs.
The Baltimore Ravens have clawed back into the picture with a healthy Lamar Jackson and now trail the Steelers by just one game. They now hold a 73% chance to make the playoffs and remain the favorite to win the division. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, sits just inside the “bubble,” needing a strong finish to stay in the wild card mix.
Who wins the AFC North? #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/vOfB8VYRMg
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) November 11, 2025
Steelers’ remaining schedule
Here’s a look at what’s ahead for the Steelers:
- Week 11: vs Bengals
- Week 12: @ Bears
- Week 13: vs Bills
- Week 14: @ Ravens
- Week 15: vs Dolphins
- Week 16: @ Lions
- Week 17: @ Browns
- Week 18: vs Ravens
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