The Pittsburgh Steelers remain in the thick of the AFC playoff race, but their path to the postseason has become increasingly uncertain after a string of inconsistent performances. With a record of 7‑5, the Steelers currently sit just inside the AFC wild‑card picture, yet their margin for error is razor‑thin heading into the final stretch of the season.
The Current Situation Under Head Coach Mike Tomlin, the Steelers have once again found ways to stay competitive despite offensive struggles and injuries. The defense, led by T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, continues to anchor the team, ranking among the league’s best in sacks and turnovers. However, the offense has been a roller coaster, averaging fewer than 18 points per game — one of the lowest marks in the NFL.
Quarterback Kenny Pickett has shown flashes of growth but remains inconsistent, while the running game featuring Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren has carried much of the load in recent weeks.
The Playoff Picture As of early December 2025, the Steelers are battling for one of the final AFC wild‑card spots alongside teams like the Cleveland Browns, Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, and Buffalo Bills. The AFC North remains the most competitive division in football, with all four teams hovering around or above .500.
Pittsburgh’s remaining schedule includes crucial matchups against the Bengals, Seahawks, and Ravens — games that will likely determine their postseason fate. Winning at least two of those contests could be enough to secure a playoff berth, but dropping more than one could push them out of contention.
What’s Working Elite Defense: The Steelers’ pass rush, led by Watt and Alex Highsmith, continues to wreak havoc. Turnover Margin: Pittsburgh ranks near the top of the league in takeaways, a key reason they’ve stayed competitive in close games. Coaching Stability: Mike Tomlin has never had a losing season in his 17 years as head coach — a streak that remains intact for now. What’s Holding Them Back Offensive Inconsistency: The passing game has struggled to find rhythm, and red‑zone efficiency remains a major issue. Injuries: Key players on both sides of the ball have missed time, testing the team’s depth. Tough Schedule: Facing multiple playoff‑caliber opponents down the stretch will challenge their resilience. The Verdict The Steelers’ playoff hopes are alive — but fragile. If the defense continues to dominate and the offense can find just enough rhythm under interim coordinator Eddie Faulkner, Pittsburgh has a realistic shot at sneaking into the postseason as a wild card.
However, in a crowded AFC field, one or two missteps could end their run. The formula is simple: win ugly, play tough, and let the defense lead the way — a blueprint that has defined the Steelers for decades.
Epilogue The road to the playoffs won’t be easy, but counting out Mike Tomlin’s Steelers has never been wise. With grit, defense, and a little late‑season magic, Pittsburgh could once again find itself playing meaningful football in January.