AFC playoff picture before Week 17

September 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Despite back-to-back losses, the Pittsburgh Steelers continue to hold a tenuous lead in the AFC North. With only two games left to play and a playoff spot already secured, at this point it’s all about placement and the hope of hosting a first-round game. Here are the current AFC playoff games for Week 17.

Kansas City Chiefs #1

PITTSBURGH, PA – SEPTEMBER 16: TJ Watt #90 of the Pittsburgh Steelers attempts to knock down a pass from Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the second half during the game at Heinz Field on September 16, 2018 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

The Chiefs are 13-1 and have the No. 1 seed in the AFC and would receive the coveted first-round bye. Pittsburgh takes on the Chiefs on Christmas Day.

Denver Broncos #7 @ Buffalo Bills #2

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 15: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills plays against Alex Highsmith #56 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter at Highmark Stadium on January 15, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)

The Bills, led by MVP candidate Josh Allen, host the Broncos and super rookie Bo Nix.

Los Angeles Chargers #6 @ Pittsburgh Steelers #3

September 22, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth (88) runs after a catch as Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James Jr. (bottom) and safety Alohi Gilman (32) tackle in the third quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Pittsburgh won 20-10. Mandatory attribution: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

As it stands now, the Steelers are holding on to the No. 3 seed and, if the season ended today, would host the Chargers for a rematch of their Week 3 game, in which Pittsburgh won 20-10.

Baltimore Ravens #5 @ Houston Texans #4

August 27, 2023; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) climbs out of the pocket during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports

This is the matchup to watch because if the Ravens overtake the Steelers in the fight for the AFC North crown, this is the likely landing spot for Pittsburgh.

On the hunt

CINCINNATI, OHIO - DECEMBER 01: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) — CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 01: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals is tackled by Cameron Heyward #97 of the Pittsburgh Steelers during the third quarter at Paycor Stadium on December 01, 2024 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images)

The Indianapolis Colts, Miami Dolphins and Cincinnati Bengals all remain in the hunt and are looking to dislodge one of the AFC’s bottom two teams.

This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: AFC playoff picture to begin Week 17

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