By: Jonathan Clark

SteelerNation.com

Moving on is the only thing we can do after a loss like the Pittsburgh Steelers had Monday night. Fortunately for us, we can still stand with our heads held high following the defeat with a chance at not only grabbing a playoff berth in the AFC, but clinching the AFC North division crown, that seems to be right within their grasp. 

There are a variety of ways the Steelers can clinch a playoff spot this week, most notably is with a win this Sunday night in Buffalo against the Buffalo Bills, not an easy task at all. Let’s hypothetically say, the Steelers lose their second straight game this weekend, putting their record at 11-2. Again, a loss always hurts, but not the worst situation Pittsburgh could be in. There would still be many ways in which a playoff berth is still clinched, putting their faith in another organization's hands. I’m sure if you asked the Steelers, they would tell you that they would prefer to take care of business on their own terms with a win this week, but having a couple fall back options never hurt. 

With a loss on Sunday, the Steelers would need one of the following three scenarios to take place in order for their playoff berth to be clinched. The Las Vegas Raiders would come out of this weekend's contest against the Indianapolis Colts with a loss or a tie. The Kansas City Chiefs would have to go into Miami and defeat/tie the Miami Dolphins and/or the Jacksonville Jaguars would have to tie or beat the Tennessee Titans in a division battle. 

Now remember, we only need one of these likely scenarios to happen in order for us to clinch a playoff berth. If I was a betting man, I would feel comfortable saying that the Pittsburgh Steelers will clinch a playoff berth this weekend and might even go as far as saying they might be capturing the AFC North crown this same week as well. 

As stated before, the only game in which the Steelers have any control over, is their own. The Buffalo Bills are a tough task and there is a reason why this is a battle of two AFC heavy weights and it will be showcased this Sunday night. If the Steelers can take care of business on their end, then they will have to wait until Monday night to see if they will be crowned AFC North Champions. 

The Cleveland Browns are sitting at 9-3 and are currently 2 games back of the Steelers in the AFC North and sitting comfortably in the AFC wild card playoff picture. While the Steelers and Browns have one more game scheduled this year that could determine how this division looks, all of that speculation could be put to rest if the Baltimore Ravens go Cleveland and take down the Browns. With that loss, and a Pittsburgh win, the Steelers will crown themselves champions of the North and clinch a playoff berth in doing so.

PITTSBURGH, PA - DECEMBER 01: Benny Snell #24 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in action against the Cleveland Browns on December 1, 2019 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

It's simple for the Steelers this week. They control their own destiny fully and it truly is as simple as “win and get in”. Pittsburgh has many paths as far as getting into January Football, and a win is the easiest of them all, but all that matters is that we get in.

How do you think the Steelers will do this week? Let us know!

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