NFL playoff picture: What does Steelers win over Lions means for AFC, NFC standings in Week 16

Sunday result: The Steelers downed the Lions in a 29-24 victory on Sunday, putting them 1.5 games ahead of the Ravens at the top of the AFC North standings. Should Baltimore lose to New England on Sunday Night Football, Pittsburgh would be able to clinch the division with a win over Cleveland next week.

With the loss, the Lions have officially been eliminated from NFC North title contention. Their playoff hopes are now on life support as they have to win out and need the Packers to lose out in order to grab the final Wild Card spot in the NFC.

The Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions square off in a Week 16 matchup that’s got huge implications for both teams. Even though the Lions have struggled to get on track this season, they have plenty to play for in Week 17.

The Lions are on the verge of playoff elimination after winning two straight NFC North titles. They’ve alternated wins and losses dating back to Week 5 and sit at 8-6 on the season. They gave the Rams a tough time last week in the first half, but struggled in the second half en route to a 41-34 loss.

The Steelers might be getting back on track as they’ve won two straight games to improve to 8-6. They beat the Ravens in Baltimore and then the Dolphins at home to secure the division lead heading into Week 16.

Detroit is a 7.5-point home favorite in this matchup. The game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET.

Pittsburgh Steelers playoff picture

The Steelers cannot clinch anything this week, but they can further secure their playoff chances with a win. They are one game up on the Ravens and those two will face off in Week 18. The Ravens are hosting the Patriots on Sunday Night Football this week. If the Steelers win and Ravens lose this week, that sets up a division clinching scenario for the Steelers in Week 17.

Pittsburgh is in fourth place in the conference and is mathematically eliminated from contention for the No. 1 seed. They also are out of the wild card picture, so it’s either division champs or nothing for Pittsburgh.

Detroit Lions playoff picture

The Lions will be eliminated from NFC North contention with a loss. However, a win moves them to within roughly half a game of the Packers for the final playoff spot. The Lions are 8-6 heading into this game while the Packers are 9-5-1 after their loss on Saturday to the Bears. The Packers close the season with a home game against the Ravens and a road game against the Vikings. The Lions close the season on the road against the Vikings and Bears, so if they win this game against the Steelers, they’ll still have plenty of work ahead of them to have a shot at a playoff berth.

Tiebreaker implications

This could potentially impact common games tiebreakers. The Bears and Packers both played the Steelers. Additionally, the Ravens also played the Lions.