Aaron Rodgers, Steelers Clinch AFC North, Updated Standings and 2026 NFL Playoff Brack

The Pittsburgh Steelers are back on top of the AFC North.

Pittsburgh clinched its first division title since the 2020 season with a 26-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, as Ravens kicker Tyler Loop missed a potential division-clinching field goal attempt as time expired.

The Steelers finished the regular season at 10-7 in their first year with veteran Aaron Rodgers under center. Rodgers is now set to make his first playoff appearance since his 2021 campaign.

Here's a look at the updated playoff picture after Pittsburgh clinched the AFC North crown.

AFC Playoff Picture

Division Leaders

1. z- Denver Broncos (14-3, AFC West)

2. z- New England Patriots (14-3, AFC East)

3. x- Jacksonville Jaguars (13-4, AFC South)

4. z- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7, AFC North)

Wild Card Teams

5. x- Houston Texans (12-5)

6. x- Buffalo Bills (12-5)

7. x- Los Angeles Chargers (11-6)

Eliminated

Indianapolis Colts (8-9)

Baltimore Ravens (8-9)

Miami Dolphins (7-10)

Cincinnati Bengals (6-11)

Kansas City Chiefs (6-11)

Cleveland Browns (5-12)

Las Vegas Raiders (3-14)

New York Jets (3-14)

Tennessee Titans (3-14)

NFC Playoff Picture (x- clinched playoffs, z- clinched division)

Division Leaders

1. x- Seattle Seahawks (14-3, NFC West)

2. z- Chicago Bears (11-6, NFC North)

3. z- Philadelphia Eagles (11-6, NFC East)

4. Carolina Panthers (8-9, NFC South)

Wild Card Teams

5. x- Los Angeles Rams (12-5)

6. x- San Francisco 49ers (12-5)

7. x- Green Bay Packers (9-7-1)

Eliminated

Minnesota Vikings (9-8)

Detroit Lions (9-8)

Dallas Cowboys (7-8-1)

Atlanta Falcons (8-9)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (8-9)

New Orleans Saints (6-11)

Washington Commanders (5-12)

New York Giants (4-13)

Arizona Cardinals (3-14)

The Steelers opened the 2025 season with a 4-1 record, but their playoff outlook became murky after they followed up the hot start by losing five of their next seven games.

Pittsburgh gave itself some more breathing room atop the AFC North standings with a crucial 27-22 win over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 14. The Steelers also secured key victories over the Miami Dolphins and Detroit Lions in each of their next two contests.

Rodgers headlined a new-look Pittsburgh offense this season that also included wide receiver DK Metcalf and running back Kenneth Gainwell.

The four-time MVP remained effective in the pocket at 42 years old, completing 66.7 percent of his throws for 3,028 yards and 23 touchdowns compared to seven interceptions in 15 games entering Sunday.

Now, the Steelers will look to go on a deeper postseason run compared to recent years.

Pittsburgh's last time advancing to the AFC Championship Game came during its 2016 campaign despite making five playoff appearances since then. Head coach Mike Tomlin's squad has also suffered four consecutive postseason eliminations in the Wild Card round.

With the regular season winding down, the Steelers will now begin preparing to host a playoff game at Acrisure Stadium.

Pittsburgh will host the Houston Texans in the first round on Monday, Jan. 12, at 8:15 p.m. ET.