Did the Steelers make the playoffs? [UPDATED]

UPDATE: The Steelers did not make the postseason, as the Miami Dolphins defeated the New York Jets, 9-6, on a game-winning field goal.

The Pittsburgh Steelers could have made the postseason on Sunday, with the results coming down to the wire.

The Steelers didn’t make it easy on themselves. By starting the regular season 2-6, Pittsburgh’s path to the postseason was an unforeseen one, but entering Week 18, it was strangely realistic.

First off, Pittsburgh has to defeat Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns. The Browns beat the Washington Commanders last week, thus ending their playoff hopes, so that’s no guarantee. Kenny Pickett and the Steelers have been playing good football of late, and must continue that trend.

However, Pittsburgh needs some help, as well. Their playoff fate cannot necessarily be decided at Acrisure Stadium on Sunday, even should they win.

Did the Steelers make the playoffs? [UPDATED]

To make the postseason, Pittsburgh needs to defeat the Browns, and for the following to happen:

1. New England Patriots lose to the Buffalo Bills
2. Miami Dolphins lose to the New York Jets

UPDATE: Unfortunately for Pittsburgh, the Dolphins did not lose to the New York Jets.

Will the New England Patriots lose to the Buffalo Bills?

Buffalo has plenty to play for. First, they want to win for Damar Hamlin, who is watching from the hospital after going into cardiac arrest on Monday Night Football last week. Second, by defeating the Patriots, Buffalo clinches a neutral site should both they and the Kansas City Chiefs make the AFC Championship Game.

For the Patriots, it’s simple — if they win, then they’re in.

Current scoreline: Bills 35, Patriots 23

Will the Miami Dolphins lose to the New York Jets?

This was always bound to be a low-scoring game. The Jets feature Joe Flacco at the quarterback position, and the Dolphins were down to Skylar Thompson as their third-string signal-caller due to injuries to both Teddy Bridgewater and Tua Tagovailoa.

Current scoreline: Jets 6, Dolphins 6