A couple of weeks ago, it seemed like Mike Tomlin's streak of non-losing seasons with the Steelers was in danger.
Now, the team has guaranteed that it will remain intact while also giving itself a chance to qualify for the postseason.
The Steelers beat the Seahawks 30-23 in Week 17 in one of the team's best offensive performances of the season. Mason Rudolph put together an efficient performance through the air, but it was the running game — which got a combined 197 yards and three touchdowns from Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren — that sparked Pittsburgh's victory.
The Steelers' win ensured that they would be among the four AFC teams fighting for two playoff spots in the final week of the season. Among those teams, Pittsburgh has the most difficult path to the playoffs, but it at least still has a chance to play in the postseason once again.
MORE: Live updated standings, clinching scenarios for NFL playoffs in Week 17
Here's what to know about the Steelers' playoff chances after Week 17 of the 2023 NFL season.
Steelers playoff picture
The Steelers exit Week 17 with a 9-7 record, which is tied with the Colts and Texans for the seventh-best record in the conference.
However, the Steelers are the No. 9 seed in the AFC because they lose head-to-head tiebreakers against both the Colts and the Texans. Indianapolis beat Pittsburgh 30-13 in Week 15 while Houston beat Pittsburgh 30-6 back in Week 4.
As such, the Steelers need help to make it into the postseason because those two AFC South teams are facing one another in Week 18. What does this entail? Well, the Steelers must beat the Ravens in Week 18 to have a chance at the postseason. They must also see either the Bills lose to the Dolphins to create a three-team tiebreaker for the final two playoff spots or the Jaguars lose to the Titans, which would allow the winner of the Colts-Texans game to win the AFC South.
Conversely, the Steelers could also be the No. 7 seed if they win and the Colts and Texans tie in Week 18. However, that result is improbable.
So, Steelers fans will have to pull not only for Pittsburgh in Week 18 but also for Miami and Tennessee as well.
MORE: Lamar Jackson sews up case for second MVP with 5-TD showing vs. Dolphins
Steelers remaining schedule
The Steelers have just one game remaining on their schedule, but it may be their most difficult of the season. They have to travel to Baltimore to take on their arch-rival, the Ravens, in what will be a win-or-go-home game for the Steelers.
The good news for Pittsburgh is that the Ravens have already clinched the AFC North and the conference's No. 1 seed as well. Baltimore may opt to rest its starters because of this, so if Lamar Jackson and Co. aren't playing, the Steelers will have an easier time competing with the NFL's top team.
Even so, the Steelers' fate won't be tied just to their performance. It will also depend on what the Bills can do against the Dolphins, what the Jaguars do versus the Titans and what happens in the Colts-Texans game.