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Steelers playoff scenarios: How Pittsburgh can clinch today

By Mike Dyce

Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on a sideline trunk during the game against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; A Pittsburgh Steelers helmet sits on a sideline trunk during the game against the Denver Broncos in the second quarter at Heinz Field. The Steelers won 34-27. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Here are how the Pittsburgh Steelers can clinch a playoff spot in Week 16 of the NFL season.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the thick of a crazy AFC Wild Card picture race. The Steelers, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets are all tied at 9-5 and competing for two Wild Card spots.

The Steelers can clinch a playoff spot on Sunday and have to be grateful they’re playing the Baltimore Ravens. To clinch a trip to the postseason it is simple, the Steelers have to win and the Jets need to lose. If the Jets do win, the Steelers won’t clinch and still be looking to lock down a spot in Week 17.

Now, the Steelers aren’t entirely out of the race for the AFC North, which has yet to be clinched. The Cincinnati Bengals sit at 11-3 and hold a two-game lead over the Steelers, but are without starting quarterback. If the Bengals beat the Denver Broncos on Sunday they’ll clinch the division, but they play on the road and the Broncos aren’t an easy win.

The season could end with the Steelers and Bengals tied at 11-5 and tie breakers determining who wins the division, that would be a thrilling way to finish out the year.

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