Heading into Week 18, the Steelers already have clinched another winning season and at least a wild-card playoff berth under head coach Mike Tomlin. Following a victory for Baltimore on Saturday, the AFC North is out of reach for Pittsburgh, but the Steelers still have plenty to play for this season.

The Sporting News breaks down Pittsburgh’s playoff seeding scenarios after its Week 18 NFL regular season finale vs. Cincinnati.

NFL playoff bracket 2025

AFC

— Kansas City Chiefs (1, first-round bye)

— Buffalo Bills (2) vs. Denver Broncos (7)

— Baltimore Ravens (3) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (6)

— Houston Texans (4) vs. Los Angeles Chargers (5)

NFC

— Lions/Vikings (1, first-round bye)

— Philadelphia Eagles (2) vs. Green Bay Packers (7)

— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3) vs. Washington Commanders (6)

— Los Angeles Rams (4) vs. Lions/Vikings (5)

Steelers playoff picture for Week 18

Prior to Week 18 action, the Steelers were the No. 5 seed in the AFC playoffs with the top wild-card position at 10-6. Their loss to the Bengals and the Chargers’ win over the Raiders, however, moved Pittsburgh down to No. 6.

As the No. 6 seed, the Steelers will face the Ravens in the wild-card round.

Steelers seeding scenarios in Week 18

The AFC North was still undecided on Saturday afternoon, but a victory for the Ravens over the Browns secured the division for Baltimore. With the division decided, Pittsburgh will be a Wild Card team in the 2025 playoffs.

The Steelers tried to battle back late, but fell short of beating the Bengals. With a loss, Pittsburgh moves to 10-7 and can finish either No. 5 or drop to No. 6. The No. 6 Chargers, at 10-6, moved up to No. 5 with a win over the Raiders on Sunday.

The Steelers are the AFC’s No. 6 seed and will face the Ravens (12-5) at M&T Bank Stadium on Wild Card Weekend.