AFC North standings: What Steelers loss means for first place in the division

The Pittsburgh Steelers couldn't get it done on Christmas Day, falling to the Kansas City Chiefs by a score of 29-10 at Acrisure Stadium in Week 17. Pittsburgh has now lost three consecutive games and suffered their second defeat at home this season.

With their loss to the Chiefs on Wednesday, the Steelers fell to 10-6 and looked completely out of sorts for the third straight week. The offense has flourished under first-year offensive coordinator Arthur Smith and veteran quarterback Russell Wilson this year, but the unit has struggled with sustaining drives and taking care of the football over the last few weeks.

The defense has also been abysmal lately, as Teryl Austin's group hasn't been able to stop the run and has allowed over 27 points in each of the last three contests.

Pittsburgh's loss to Kansas City in Week 17 may prove costly, as the Steelers quest to win the AFC North has gotten a lot more challenging. For the time being, the Baltimore Ravens are atop the division with a record of 10-5. Baltimore will square off against the Houston Texans at 4:30 P.M. EST on Christmas Day in Week 17, so things could change by the end of Wednesday.

AFC North standings:

1. Baltimore Ravens (10-5)

2. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6)

3. Cincinnati Bengals (7-8)

4. Cleveland Browns (3-12)

There are a bunch of scenarios where both the Steelers and Ravens win the division. Below are all the scenarios that could play out to decide who will take home the AFC North crown, per ESPN's Jamison Hensley

AFC North clinching scenarios:

-- If the Ravens win out AND the Steelers lose at least one game, the Ravens win the division with a better overall record.

-- If the Ravens beat the Texans and lose to the Browns AND the Steelers lose to the Chiefs and beat the Bengals, the Steelers win the division with a better division record.

-- If the Ravens lose to the Texans and beat the Browns AND the Steelers lose to the Chiefs and beat the Bengals, the Steelers win the division with a better conference record.

-- If the Ravens win either of their last two games AND the Steelers lose out, the Ravens win the division with a better overall record.

-- If the Ravens and Steelers lose out, the Steelers win the division with a better conference record.

So, long story short: Pittsburgh is still alive in the AFC North race despite a crushing defeat to Kansas City on Christmas Day. But the road has gotten a bit tougher for Mike Tomlin's squad.