SEATTLE — Only once in Mike Tomlin’s 17 seasons as Pittsburgh Steelers head coach has his team entered the final weekend mathematically eliminated from the postseason.
That accomplishment will remain intact this year thanks to the Steelers’ 30-23 victory against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field.
With one game remaining — at AFC top seed Baltimore — the Steelers have a 28% chance of reaching the playoffs after missing out last season, according to the New York Times’ playoff simulator.
The Steelers (9-7) likely need to beat the Ravens, who could rest many of their starters after clinching the top seed Sunday, and get some help to make the playoffs. It’s possible the Steelers could qualify even if they lose the finale to the Ravens.
If the Steelers win, they need Buffalo to lose at Miami or Jacksonville to lose at Tennessee. If those teams each win, the Steelers could advance in the unlikely chance that the Houston-Indianapolis game ends in a tie.
The Steelers could lose and get in provided Buffalo and Jacksonville each lose, and Denver defeats the Las Vegas Raiders.
If the Steelers reach the playoffs, they would open at either Buffalo, Miami or Kansas City.
In the event Buffalo and Jacksonville each lose, the Steelers (with a win at Baltimore) would be the No. 6 seed and open the wild-card round at Kansas City. In any other playoff scenario that doesn’t involve a tie, the Steelers would be the No. 7 seed and open at Miami or Buffalo.
No matter what transpires next weekend at M&T Bank Stadium for the Steelers, Tomlin is ensured of never having a losing season since becoming coach in 2007.
