R1 After the NFL delivered a critical final decision, the Pittsburgh Steelers have now made an official announcement — and it’s instantly reshaping the conversation around what comes next.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have quietly positioned themselves as AFC North contenders late in the 2025 NFL season, currently sitting at 9–6 and holding first place in the division as they approach the final weeks of regular‑season play.
Pittsburgh’s push has been fueled by a dramatic run of wins, including a 29‑24 victory over the Detroit Lions that kept their playoff hopes alive and sustained the franchise’s streak of winning seasons.
But even as the Steelers battle for postseason seeding, the NFL has delivered a critical decision that could shape how the rest of their season is viewed across the league.
NFL Eyes Flex Scheduling for Steelers’ Week 18 Division Decider
Under the NFL’s flexible scheduling rules, games with major playoff or division implications late in the regular season can be moved into higher‑visibility national TV windows — such as
Sunday Night Football or a featured Saturday game — to give fans across the country a chance to watch the most meaningful matchups.
Pittsburgh’s Week 18 home game vs. the Baltimore Ravens
— which could decide the AFC North title — is currently slated as a TBD kickoff, and the league is actively considering elevating it into a prime national television slot depending on how the division race shapes up in the coming weeks. With both teams still squarely in the playoff picture, this late‑season showdown is a prime candidate for flex scheduling.
Why This Matters for the Steelers
- Division on the Line: With a 9–6 record, Pittsburgh sits atop the AFC North and could clinch the division with a win — or potentially force a tiebreaker scenario — in Week 18 against Baltimore.
- Star Power & Injuries: Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has battled through a fractured left wrist and remains a key piece of the offense, having taken most of the snaps down the stretch. Meanwhile, defensive leaderT.J. Watt has returned to practice after a lung injury, providing a morale boost for the Steelers as they eye the stretch run.
- Off‑Field Headlines: The NFL recently upheld atwo‑game suspension for star WR DK Metcalf after an altercation with a fan, meaning he’ll miss critical matchups in Weeks 17 and 18 — a storyline that adds intrigue and potential adversity to Pittsburgh’s final push.
- Supporting Cast: Veterans like Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell have stepped up in the backfield, helping balance the offense and keep the Steelers competitive even with injuries and roster changes.
Looking Ahead
Before any flex decision is finalized, Pittsburgh must continue to win — starting with its Week 17 matchup against the Cleveland Browns. A Steelers victory there would further tighten the AFC North race and bolster the case for a nationally featured Week 18 showdown with the Ravens.
With playoff implications and division pride on the line, the NFL’s scheduling flexibility could put Steelers football center stage for fans nationwide as December football reaches its climax. Whether on Sunday afternoon,
Sunday Night Football, or a late‑season highlight window, Pittsburgh’s late‑season journey could become must‑watch TV.
