NFL playoff picture: What Bills win over Steelers means in Week 13

The Buffalo Bills got back on track in Week 13, beating the Pittsburgh Steelers by a final score of 26-7. Buffalo had lost two of its past three games and struggled with consistency. On Sunday, the Bills took over in the second half thanks to James Cook and Ray Davis. Josh Allen made some key plays, but it was the ground game and defense that got the Bills a much-needed conference win.

With the win, the Bills improved to 8-4, but did not make any moves in the playoff picture. They entered the game in second place in the AFC East and seventh place overall in the conference. With the Chargers and Colts both winning, the Bills remain in the same position. Buffalo will host the Bengals next week in a matchup that is suddenly a lot more interesting with the return of Joe Burrow. That’s followed by a massive Week 15 contest at Foxboro against the Patriots.

The Steelers dropped to 6-6 with the loss, but they also did not see any change to their playoff position. They remain in first place in the AFC North and fourth place overall in the conference. They hold the division record tiebreaker over the Ravens, who are also 6-6. The Steelers and Ravens have both of their regular season matchups still to be played. The first one comes up next week when Pittsburgh travels to Baltimore.

AFC playoff standings

1. New England Patriots: 10-2

2. Denver Broncos: 9-2

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 8-4

4. Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-6

5. Indianapolis Colts: 8-4

6. Los Angeles Chargers: 8-4

7. Buffalo Bills: 8-4

8. Houston Texans: 7-5

9. Kansas City Chiefs: 6-6

10. Baltimore Ravens: 6-6

AFC East standings

1. New England Patriots: 10-2

2. Buffalo Bills: 8-4

3. Miami Dolphins: 5-7

4. New York Jets: 3-9

AFC North standings

1. Pittsburgh Steelers: 6-6

2. Baltimore Ravens: 6-6

3. Cincinnati Bengals: 4-8

4. Cleveland Browns: 3-9