Can the Steelers still make the playoffs? Here’s what the numbers say
Pittsburgh’s playoff odds have increased after Week 11 and the remaining schedule leaves room for a late-season surge despite Aaron Rodgers’ injury.
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ playoff path recently became a little clearer after their impressive win against the Bengals. The Steeler’s playoff chances are at around 49 percent, with just a 38 percent shot to win the AFC North and 8.5 percent 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, but now are in trouble as they wait to hear about their QB1’s injury.
That's a Steelers WIN ✊ pic.twitter.com/in82Copkzn
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) November 17, 2025
The state of the Steelers
At 6-4, the Steelers are still in the AFC playoff race, but the room for error has become much smaller as the season progresses. 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 (33 after Week 11), Pittsburgh has been held to two or fewer sacks in five 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. That said, there were flashes of greatness Sunday against the Bengals with 34 total points. Despite Rodgers’ departure, the backup QB Mason Rudolph stepped in and threw 12 completions in 16 attempts, 1 TD and 127 passing yards.
This is a conversation we need to have: Mason Rudolph's comfort in the pocket is so much better than Aaron Rodgers' at this point.
— Tommy Jaggi (@TommyJaggi) November 17, 2025
Say what you want about Rudolph, but he's not afraid to stand tall in the pocket and go through progressions. #Steelers https://t.co/GxBYG9pVrX pic.twitter.com/YuOu3rIhfF
Steelers’ remaining schedule
Here’s a look at what’s ahead for the Steelers:
- 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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