Here’s how the Steelers can still, somehow, make the AFC playoffs

Despite an awful loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, the Steelers still have a chance to make the playoffs, even though it’s slim.

The Steelers fell at the hands of the Chiefs in Week 16, 36-10. Frankly, it wasn’t even that close, as the Steelers failed to score in the first half and at what time were down 23-0.

With the loss, Pittsburgh fell to 7-7-1 on the year. That tie came against the then-winless Detroit Lions.

Despite the Steelers’ brutal offensive play-calling, Swiss cheese defense and the aging abilities of Ben Roethlisberger at quarterback, Pittsburgh still has a chance to make the playoffs. Here’s exactly what has to happen.

How the Steelers can still make the playoffs

The Steelers can make the postseason if the following events transpire exactly as described:

1. Steelers win out
2. The Dolphins lose one of their final three games
3. Both the Chargers and Raiders split their final two games

That’s easier said than done, but with those three outcomes, the Steelers will slide into the seventh and final playoff seed in the AFC.

Pittsburgh finishes out with Ben Roethlisberger’s final home game on Monday Night Football next week against the Cleveland Browns, and then a game in Baltimore. By beating the Ravens, the Steelers would effectively knock them out of the playoffs.

The Dolphins, meanwhile, face the Saints on Monday night, and then close with matchups in Tennessee and at home against the Patriots.

For the third and final outcome, Pittsburgh would need the Chargers to lose to one of the Broncos or Raiders, and the Raiders to lose to one of the Colts or Chargers.

Got all that? Essentially, it’s complicated.