Pittsburgh Steelers playoff seeding, matchup scenarios after Chiefs loss

The Pittsburgh Steelers are on the brink of coughing up the AFC North after losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17, a defeat that knocked head coach Mike Tomlin's squad out of first place when combined with a Baltimore Ravens win over the Houston Texans.

Now, if the Ravens beat the Cleveland Browns or the Steelers lose to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 18, Baltimore will be the AFC North champion and No. 3 seed. If the Steelers win and the Ravens lose, Pittsburgh will grab the division title.

As we head into the rest of the Week 17 games this weekend, the Steelers are faced with a handful of different scenarios in terms of their playoff seeding and possible matchups. Here's a look at those (H/T Steelers Depot).

Steelers win, Ravens lose: No. 3 seed - Home vs. Broncos or Chargers

Steelers win, Ravens win: No. 5 seed - Away vs. Texans

Steelers lose, Broncos and Chargers win last two: No. 7 seed - Away vs. Bills

Steelers lose, Broncos or Chargers win last two: No. 6 seed - Away vs. Ravens

Steelers lose, Broncos and Chargers lose last two: No. 5 seed - Away vs. Texans

When it comes to the most ideal matchups the Steelers can draw in the first round of the playoffs, it goes without saying the Broncos, Chargers and Texans are at the top of the list. After what we saw in Week 17, the Texans might top the list of ideal opponents for the Steelers, especially considering their awful offensive line.

We've seen the Steelers beat the Ravens this season, but that was at home and the Steelers were playing much better football then. Even still, Baltimore is a better matchup for Pittsburgh than Buffalo is.

We can talk about ideal matchups, but the current version of the Steelers on both sides of the ball is going to have a tough time beating any team. If Pittsburgh doesn't get its act together, it'll be one and done in the playoffs yet again.

MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS

Steelers vs. Chiefs had massive, record-breaking viewership

Steelers insider explains why there's 'trouble brewing' in Pittsburgh

Steelers insider explains why there might be 'trouble brewing' in Pittsburgh