The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn’t get it done on Christmas Day, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 29-10 at Acrisure Stadium in Week 17. Pittsburgh has now lost three consecutive games and suffered their second defeat at home this season.
With their loss to the Chiefs on Wednesday, the Steelers fell to 10-6 and looked completely out of sorts for the third straight week. The offense has flourished under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and veteran quarterback Russell Wilson this year, but the unit has struggled with sustaining drives and taking care of the football over the last few weeks.
The defense has also been abysmal lately, as Teryl Austin’s group hasn’t been able to stop the run and has allowed over 27 points in each of the last three contests.
Pittsburgh’s loss to Kansas City in Week 17 may prove costly, as the Steelers’ quest to win the AFC North has gotten a lot more challenging. With their win over the Houston Texans on Wednesday afternoon, the Baltimore Ravens are atop the division with a record of 11-5 entering Week 18.
AFC North standings:
1. Baltimore Ravens (11-5)
2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)
3. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)
4. Cleveland Browns (3-12)
Now, the clinching scenarios for the Ravens and Steelers are much simpler. Here’s the breakdown.
AFC North clinching scenarios:
If the Ravens win next week or the Steelers lose, Baltimore clinches the AFC North. However, if the Ravens lose and the Steelers win, Pittsburgh will be the division champion.
So, long story short: Pittsburgh is still alive in the AFC North race despite a crushing defeat to Kansas City on Christmas Day. But the road has gotten a bit tougher for Mike Tomlin’s squad.
