Playoff Fate Hangs in Balance: Steelers, Panthers Set Up Crucial Showdowns
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The Pittsburgh Steelers and Carolina Panthers suffered setbacks on Sunday, leaving their playoff hopes hanging in the balance. The Steelers fell to the Cleveland Browns 13-6, snapping their three-game win streak, while the Panthers were thrashed by the Seattle Seahawks 27-10, potentially costing them the NFC South crown. The Steelers will face a make-or-break game against the Baltimore Ravens next week, with the winner claiming the AFC North division title and the final AFC playoff spot. The Browns, meanwhile, halted a four-game losing skid and extended the Steelers' losing streak to four games. In another decisive matchup, the Panthers will visit the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, with the winner securing the last NFC playoff spot. The Seahawks, who secured their sixth consecutive win, are now just one victory away from clinching the NFC top seed and a first-round bye. The New England Patriots also made a statement, routing the New York Jets 42-10 to match Denver's record of 13-3 in the AFC. A Patriots win next week at San Francisco would clinch the AFC East division crown and a first-round bye. The Jacksonville Jaguars, meanwhile, extended their win streak to seven games, their best run in one season since 1999, with a 23-17 victory over the Indianapolis Colts. The Jaguars' quarterback Trevor Lawrence credited his team's defense for picking them up after a few turnovers in the red zone.
