Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin remained focused on the scoreboard during the thrilling encounter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. The Steelers are currently looking at their playoff prospects following the Houston Texans’ recent victory over the Los Angeles Chargers, which may appear insignificant at first glance but has clarified the potential playoff landscape for Pittsburgh.
With this latest outcome, the Steelers now find themselves positioned to secure only the fourth overall seed in the AFC playoff race. To clinch their playoff berth in the coming weeks, their path is straightforward: they need to capture the AFC North divisional title. This can be achieved with a win over the Cleveland Browns this weekend or if the Baltimore Ravens lose to the Green Bay Packers.
As the Steelers aim for the playoffs, they are also eyeing potential opponents, which could include the Chargers, Jaguars, Texans, Bills, or Patriots. However, if they can secure their playoff position this weekend, their Week 18 showdown against the Ravens will hold no seeding implications, allowing them to rest their key players as they prepare for the Wild Card Round.
The Texans have rapidly ascended the ranks, and they can solidify a five-seed position with a win against the Indianapolis Colts next week paired with a loss from the Bills in the upcoming two weeks. Nonetheless, for the Steelers, the next step is crucial: they must secure a spot in the postseason either by defeating the Browns or by banking on a Ravens loss.
With the playoff picture tightening, Steelers fans remain hopeful as the team inches closer to achieving their postseason goals.