NFL Playoff picture and scenarios: Steelers on outside looking in

The Pittsburgh Steelers currently are on the outside of the playoff picture looking in after their loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. If the playoff were to start after Week 15 Pittsburgh would miss out, but despite that fact, they are still in control of their own destiny; win out and they will make the playoffs.

The Steelers fell to 7-7, behind the Ravens (9-5) and Bengals (8-6) in the AFC North and behind the Colts (9-5) and Bengals for the AFC Wild Card. The Steelers have a crucial matchup with the Bengals during Week 16 in Pittsburgh. The winner of that game will hold the inside track for the second Wild Card spot.

The Steelers still have a chance to win the AFC North as well. If the Ravens lose to the Giants in Week 16 and the Bengals in Week 17 and Pittsburgh wins out, the Steelers will take the AFC North crown and the fourth seed in the AFC.

If Pittsburgh wins out against Cincinnati and Cleveland and Indianapolis loses their final two games to the Chiefs and Texans, the Steelers would surpass the Colts in the Wild Card standings. If they lose a game, however, the Steelers will need a lot of help to find their way into the playoffs.