Steelers

2012 NFL schedule, Week 16: Steelers in playoff elimination game vs. Bengals

The Pittsburgh Steelers need to snap a two-game losing streak Sunday against the Cincinnati Bengals to remain in contention for the postseason.

By Rodger Sherman Dec 19, 2012, 8:00am EST

The Pittsburgh Steelers play the biggest game of their season as they take on the Cincinnati Bengals in what amounts to a playoff game on Sunday.

If the Steelers win at home against the Bengals, they'll need either a win Week 17 or a Cincinnati loss in order to make the playoffs as they'll hold the tiebreaker. If they lose, their Week 17 game against the Cleveland Browns will be meaningless, as they'll be eliminated, down two games on the final Wild Card spot with only one week of play remaining. They've lost two straight, and have all but seen their chances of winning the AFC North disappear, but the playoffs are still a possibility despite the disappointing play the last few weeks.

Week 16 also brings the beginning of Saturday NFL football with the college season a few weeks in the rear view mirror, and does not feature a Monday night game.

Here's a look at the full schedule, featuring Pittsburgh's pivotal game against Cincinnati.

Saturday, Dec. 22

Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions, 8 p.m., ESPN

Sunday Dec. 23

Indianapolis Colts vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 1 p.m., CBS

New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1 p.m., CBS

Minnesota Vikings vs. Houston Texans, 1 p.m., FOX

Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1 p.m., CBS

Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m., CBS

St. Louis Rams vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1 p.m., FOX

San Diego Chargers vs. New York Jets, 1 p.m., CBS

Oakland Raiders vs. Carolina Panthers, 1 p.m., CBS