The NFL Playoffs are just a few short weeks ahead, and the potential opponents for the Steelers in the Wild Card round are beginning to narrow down. With this in mind, it is a great time to take a look at the best and worst potential outcomes for the Steelers in their first playoff matchup.

As of now, these would be the current playoff matchups in the AFC in the Wild Card Round:

Broncos at Bills
Chargers at Steelers
Ravens at Texans

Unless the Steelers were to drop all three of their final games, there is no chance the Steelers would get the #6 or #7 seed, as they have already beaten both the Chargers and Broncos head-to-head this year. Due to the unlikelihood of that scenario playing out, we are going to assume the Steelers get either the #3, #4, or #5 seed. Houston’s schedule is not any better than Pittsburgh’s, making it unlikely for them to move ahead of the Steelers for the #3 seed. Nonetheless, we will rank the options from best to worst, giving explanations for each outcome.

Best Scenario: Broncos at Steelers

Bo Nix has steadily improved all season long, but it is still a rookie quarterback coming to Pittsburgh in January. I will take that over any other scenario. In addition to this, Russell Wilson was unable to participate in the Steelers’ Week 2 matchup with Denver, giving him even further motivation to light it up against his former team. Denver also lacks the depth the Steelers have on defense, and I believe the Steelers would be the more physical team in the trenches.

2nd Best Scenario: Steelers at Texans

The Texans have a year of playoff experience under their belts, but C.J. Stroud has hit a sophomore slump this season, and their team as a whole is not one I would be afraid to play in the postseason. The defense has dealt with key injuries up front, and their run defense has been mediocre at best over the past month. In this scenario, the Steelers would not win the AFC North, but this is why I do not think it is a definite deal breaker if the Steelers lose to the Ravens on Saturday. The Steelers would be more likely to draw Kansas City in the Divisional Round in this scenario, which many would say is an easier matchup than going to Buffalo. With all of that in mind, this is why I believe 5-seed scenario is not the end of the world.

3rd Best Scenario: Ravens at Steelers

For this scenario to happen in the Wild Card round, Baltimore would either have to drop two games, or the Bills would have to drop one game to either the Jets or Patriots. The Steelers would also have to win out in either scenario. While I consider both scenarios highly unlikely, it would not be the worst scenario in the world. The Steelers have dominated the Ravens for several years, and drawing them at home would be a scenario Steelers fans would love.

Worst Scenario: Chargers at Steelers

Unfortunately, this appears to be the most likely scenario. Let me preface this by saying that I would still pick the Steelers to win in any of these scenarios, including this one. However, Jim Harbaugh has a proven track record of success in the playoffs, and Justin Herbert has had plenty of experience playing in cold-weather games, going back to his days at Oregon. The Steelers are the more talented team for sure, but the matchup will not be easy. This is a better Chargers team than the one the Steelers faced earlier this season.

Which scenario do you think would be best for the Steelers in the playoffs? Let us know your thoughts on this topic and all things Pittsburgh Steelers in the comment section below!