Steelers Could Clinch AFC North Before Next Game

PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers are closing in on an AFC North division title. After they narrowly escaped with a victory over the Detroit Lions, the Steelers improved to 9-6. Backed up by three consecutive victories, there is growing hope that this team is catching fire at the right time.

With the Steelers hitting their stride, the AFC North title is within reach. Their arch-rivals, the Baltimore Ravens, provided the organization with a gift on Sunday Night Football. Despite holding the lead in the fourth quarter, the Ravens dropped their eighth game of the season to the New England Patriots. As a result, the Steelers are in the driver's seat in the AFC playoff picture, and the division could be won before they take the field for their Week 17 contest.

Right now, the Steelers control their destiny on their path to the postseason. With two contests remaining, they don't have to worry about any potential tie-breaking scenarios or hope that things fall in their favor.

It's pretty simple for the Steelers. If the Ravens lose their next game against the Green Bay Packers, which takes place the day before the Steelers' next game against the Cleveland Browns, and the AFC North belongs to Pittsburgh. If the Ravens win, the Steelers are still in control. With a win over the Browns, they would wrap up their first division crown since 2020.

Steelers' Finding Stride

In Week 17, the Steelers will take on the 3-12 Browns. Pittsburgh took care of business during their previous meeting, defeating them 23-9.

That was in Week 6. 11 weeks later, and the Steelers are a completely different team. They aren't perfect, and they still need to improve in multiple ways. Despite the ways to go, there's no denying that they have found their stride over this three-game winning streak.

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) makes a pass against Detroit Lions during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Rodgers' Delivering Magic

The Steelers will count on their 42-year-old quarterback to carry them to victory and the division title. He's completed over 66% of his passes this season in addition to 23 touchdowns and just seven interceptions.

Over the last three games, he's played clean and tidy football. He's thrown for four touchdowns and at least 224 yards in each of the past three contests. But the most important statistic is that he has no turnovers in that span. The Steelers' offense continues to move and get points on the board, and they're clicking at the perfect time.

With the Ravens' loss, the Steelers are in the driver's seat in the AFC North. With one more win, they clinch their first division title in five years and can set themselves up for a proper run in the playoffs. But it might not even come to that, as the Ravens could give their foes a holiday gift with one more loss in Week 17.

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