Going into Sunday’s game with the Carolina Panthers, the Pittsburgh Steelers knew that a loss would mathematically eliminate them from the AFC playoffs. This might have been something of a motivating factor for Pittsburgh as they came out and controlled the game and came out of Carolina with a 24-16 win.
This means, according to FiveThirtyEight, the Steelers are still technically in the hunt. What are their odds? Right now the Steelers have a 0.3 percent chance of making the playoffs. So you’re saying there’s a chance?
The only AFC team with a worse statistical chance than the Steelers are the Indianapolis Colts. They have a 0.2 percent chance. According to 538, the Denver Broncos and Houston Texans are the only AFC teams mathematically eliminated.
Will the Steelers streak of good fortune continue? Let us know in the comments if you think Pittsburgh will overcome the odds and make the playoffs.
