Typically, AFC vs. NFC matchups don’t shake up the NFL Playoff picture that much. But this week, when the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears meet at Soldier Field, the outcome is sure to leave a lasting impact on both teams’ playoff chances.
Both the Steelers and the Bears hold the lead in each conference’s North divisions, but neither lead is anywhere close to safe. Pittsburgh has three more divisional games on its schedule, including two dates with the second-place Baltimore Ravens. Meanwhile, Chicago has a similar road ahead with two games against the Green Bay Packers and a meeting with the Detroit Lions left on their schedule.