Steelers clinch 1st playoff berth since 2017
The Pittsburgh Steelers are playoff-bound.
For the first time since 2017, the Steelers clinched a berth in the NFL postseason.
Before it even took the field Sunday night, the team learned it would be part of the playoff field.
With Miami’s loss to Kansas City, the Steelers clinched a spot in the AFC postseason.
The Chiefs (12-1) also have clinched a spot in the AFC.
New Orleans (10-2) and Green Bay (10-3) have clinched berths in the NFC.
The Steelers (11-1) can clinch the AFC North division title with a win against the host Bills (9-3) on Sunday night and if the Ravens (7-5) defeat the Browns (9-3) on Monday night.
It is the ninth time in 14 seasons coach Mike Tomlin has led the Steelers to the postseason.
The Steelers continue to battle for the No. 1 seed in the AFC. They own a tiebreaker over the Chiefs at the moment because they have a better record in the AFC.
Only the No. 1 seed will receive a bye in the opening round of the playoffs thanks to the NFL’s expanded playoff format, which will include seven teams in each conference, rather than the typical six.
Joe Rutter is a TribLive reporter who has covered the Pittsburgh Steelers since the 2016 season. A graduate of Greensburg Salem High School and Point Park, he is in his fifth decade covering sports for the Trib. He can be reached at jrutter@triblive.com.
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