Pittsburgh Steelers complex path to the playoffs after Week 16, explained

The Steelers playoff chances just took a major hit thanks to the Los Angeles Chargers Monday night win over the Indianapolis Colts.

Pittsburgh needed a little help from the Colts on Monday night — a team they defeated just a few weeks ago — and they did not get it. Instead, the Chargers defeated Indianapolis, 20-3, and guaranteed themselves a playoff spot.

So what does that mean for the Steelers?

The Dolphins remain in limbo as the current No. 7 seed in the AFC, and the only one in Wild Card positioning that hasn’t clinched a playoff spot. The Jets, Patriots and Pittsburgh all give chase.

Here are the current standings in the AFC Playoff Picture:

1. Bills (12-3)
2. Chiefs (12-3)
3. Bengals (11-4)
4. Titans/Jaguars (7-8)
5. Ravens (10-5)
6. Chargers (9-6)
7. Dolphins (8-7)

The Patriots and Jets remain in the hunt, along with the Steelers, at 7-8. However, both New England and New York defeated Pittsburgh earlier this year, as did the Dolphins.

How can the Steelers make the playoffs?

Per 538, the Steelers have only a two-percent chance of making the postseason. That number is so low thanks to the Chargers clinching a postseason spot themselves, meaning that now Pittsburgh must fight with three other teams for one lone Wild Card slot.

For the Steelers to make the playoffs, three things must happen, in no particular order:

1. Pittsburgh must win their final two games against the Baltimore Ravens and Cleveland Browns.
2. Miami Dolphins must lose out or lose and tie once.
3. Jets and Dolphins must lose at least once, but not to the Dolphins.

Mike Tomlin’s team is in a tricky situation, and the odds are against them at making a run to the AFC postseason. For Tomlin, however, there is his own record at stake. Tomlin has yet to register a losing record as head coach. Should the Steelers win out, he’ll avoid that fate once again, despite a meager outlook to start the year.