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NFL playoff picture: How the Pittsburgh Steelers can clinch a playoff berth in Week 17

NFL playoff picture: How the Pittsburgh Steelers can clinch a playoff berth in Week 17

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Update (Saturday night): Baltimore’s 41-24 win over the Packers means that the Ravens are still alive in the race for the AFC North title, and the Steelers have yet to clinch the division.

They can take care of that tomorrow with a win or a tie against the Browns.

This weekend, Aaron Rodgers can return to the playoffs.

Rodgers last appeared in the NFL postseason in the 2021-2022 season with the Green Bay Packers, completing 20-of-29 passes for 225 yards in a 13-10 loss to the San Francisco 49ers. But Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the cusp of clinching a playoff spot, and can lock in their spot before they even take the field on Sunday against the Cleveland Browns.

Here is how Rodgers and the Steelers can book their playoff berth in Week 17.

Pittsburgh Steelers clinching scenarios

The Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Cleveland Browns in an AFC North clash on Sunday afternoon.

But they might have already clinched a playoff spot before kickoff.

Pittsburgh clinches the AFC North, and a spot in the postseason, with a win or tie against the Browns on Sunday. But they can be guaranteed a division title before that game. Right now the Steelers have a 9-6 record, while the only team that can catch them in the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens, have a 7-8 record. Pittsburgh wins the division if the Ravens lose or tie on Saturday night to the Green Bay Packers.

So, Pittsburgh is in the playoffs if they win or tie against the Browns on Sunday, or the Ravens lose or tie against the Packers on Saturday night.

AFC standings entering Week 17

Here are the current AFC standings after the Christmas games:

x – Team has clinched a playoff spot
e – Team has been eliminated from playoff contention

AFC North standings entering Week 17

Here are the AFC North standings as Week 17 begins:

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Chelsea has signed defender Maxence Lacroix from ​Crystal Palace on a deal ‌until 2032, the Premier League ​club said on ⁠Thursday.

British media reported that Chelsea paid £52 million ($69.6 million) for the France international.

“Lacroix ‌arrives at Chelsea with the reputation of ‌being among European football’s ‌most ⁠commanding centre-backs, as well ⁠as one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier ​League,” the club ‌said in a statement.

The 26-year-old French international made 55 appearances in all competitions last ‌season recording three goals ​and three assists as Palace won the UEFA ⁠Conference League.

A product of Sochaux’s academy, Lacroix made 28 senior ‌appearances for the French club before joining Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in 2020.

Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg in 2024 for a reported ‌fee of £18 million ($24.09 million). He made ​98 appearances in all competitions during his two ⁠seasons in English football.

Lacroix made three ⁠appearances for France at this year’s World Cup ‌as it finished fourth.

Published on Jul 30, 2026

#France #defender #Lacroix #moves #Chelsea #Crystal #Palace #FIFA #World #Cup">France defender Lacroix moves to Chelsea from Crystal Palace after FIFA World Cup 2026 Chelsea has signed defender Maxence Lacroix from ​Crystal Palace on a deal ‌until 2032, the Premier League ​club said on ⁠Thursday.British media reported that Chelsea paid £52 million (.6 million) for the France international.“Lacroix ‌arrives at Chelsea with the reputation of ‌being among European football’s ‌most ⁠commanding centre-backs, as well ⁠as one of the fastest and best aerial defenders in the Premier ​League,” the club ‌said in a statement.The 26-year-old French international made 55 appearances in all competitions last ‌season recording three goals ​and three assists as Palace won the UEFA ⁠Conference League.A product of Sochaux’s academy, Lacroix made 28 senior ‌appearances for the French club before joining Bundesliga side VfL Wolfsburg in 2020.Palace signed Lacroix from Wolfsburg in 2024 for a reported ‌fee of £18 million (.09 million). He made ​98 appearances in all competitions during his two ⁠seasons in English football.Lacroix made three ⁠appearances for France at this year’s World Cup ‌as it finished fourth.Published on Jul 30, 2026 #France #defender #Lacroix #moves #Chelsea #Crystal #Palace #FIFA #World #Cup

Deadspin | Chargers great, college Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64 May 10, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers former linebacker Billy Ray Smith speaks as LaDainian Tomlinson listens at the Celebration of Life for Junior Seau at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. died on Wednesday at age 64, his family announced. “It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” the family statement read. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. “Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend. On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return.” The son of Super Bowl champion defensive end Billy Ray Smith Sr., Smith Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps at Arkansas, where he was a two-time All-American for the Razorbacks before San Diego drafted him fifth overall in the 1983 NFL Draft. He played his entire 10-year pro career for the Chargers, amassing 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles in 126 games and earning a spot on the franchise’s 50th anniversary team in 2009. “To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here. But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into, infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray. “When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone. Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in needs. And we all loved him back.” After his playing career, Smith spent time as the sports director at San Diego’s ABC10 News, as a radio host in the area and as a broadcaster on college and professional football games. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Hunt, and their daughter, Savannah. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chargers #great #college #Hall #Famer #Billy #Ray #Smith #diesMay 10, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers former linebacker Billy Ray Smith speaks as LaDainian Tomlinson listens at the Celebration of Life for Junior Seau at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images

Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. died on Wednesday at age 64, his family announced.

“It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” the family statement read. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength.

“Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend. On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return.”

The son of Super Bowl champion defensive end Billy Ray Smith Sr., Smith Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps at Arkansas, where he was a two-time All-American for the Razorbacks before San Diego drafted him fifth overall in the 1983 NFL Draft.


He played his entire 10-year pro career for the Chargers, amassing 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles in 126 games and earning a spot on the franchise’s 50th anniversary team in 2009.

“To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here. But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into, infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray.

“When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone. Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in needs. And we all loved him back.”

After his playing career, Smith spent time as the sports director at San Diego’s ABC10 News, as a radio host in the area and as a broadcaster on college and professional football games.

He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Hunt, and their daughter, Savannah.


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Chargers #great #college #Hall #Famer #Billy #Ray #Smith #dies">Deadspin | Chargers great, college Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. dies at 64 May 10, 2012; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers former linebacker Billy Ray Smith speaks as LaDainian Tomlinson listens at the Celebration of Life for Junior Seau at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-Imagn Images Former San Diego Chargers linebacker and College Football Hall of Famer Billy Ray Smith Jr. died on Wednesday at age 64, his family announced. “It is with profound sadness that we share the loss of our beloved Billy Ray Smith Jr., who passed away peacefully surrounded by family,” the family statement read. “Billy Ray faced his long journey with dementia caused by CTE with unmatched bravery, dignity, and strength. “Billy Ray brought so much joy, light, and laughter to the world as a devoted father, husband, son, and loyal friend. On the NFL gridiron for a decade with the Chargers, and decades that followed in sports broadcasting, Billy Ray earned deep respect from teammates, colleagues, and fans, who he cherished in return.” The son of Super Bowl champion defensive end Billy Ray Smith Sr., Smith Jr. followed in his father’s footsteps at Arkansas, where he was a two-time All-American for the Razorbacks before San Diego drafted him fifth overall in the 1983 NFL Draft. He played his entire 10-year pro career for the Chargers, amassing 26.5 sacks, 15 interceptions and 13 forced fumbles in 126 games and earning a spot on the franchise’s 50th anniversary team in 2009. “To know Billy Ray was to love Billy Ray,” Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. “Yes, he was a member of our 50th Anniversary team. Yes, he was a Charger for life, playing his entire 10-year career here. But he wasn’t merely a great football player. He was, truly, larger than life. Always smiling. Lighting up every room he walked into, infectious laughter. The kind of friend a friend should be. That was Billy Ray. “When someone who brought so much positivity into the world leaves us, it’s hard to process. Hard to accept. That’s how I feel right now, and I know I’m not alone. Billy Ray loved his family, loved the Chargers, loved his teammates, loved his community and loved helping those in needs. And we all loved him back.” After his playing career, Smith spent time as the sports director at San Diego’s ABC10 News, as a radio host in the area and as a broadcaster on college and professional football games. He is survived by his wife, Kimberly Hunt, and their daughter, Savannah. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Chargers #great #college #Hall #Famer #Billy #Ray #Smith #dies

Now it might be slightly less metal to then say, “so make me the highest paid player in baseball or I’m gonna be distracted on the field, $81 million is not enough for me I have expensive taste.” But I’m not a heavy metal expert! Band t-shirts are probably expensive, officially licensed ones at least, maybe you have to be rich to be a metalhead?

Either way, In a bitter contract dispute in 1998, Los Angeles saw Piazza as greedy and disloyal, and Piazza saw the Dodgers organization as calculating and disloyal, and the fans fickle. He also blamed Vin Scully for his “Greedy Mike” label and that right there turned this beef from soft supple meat that could in theory be easily squashed, to an everlasting gobstopper, flamin’ beef flavor.

Wait… that sounds kind of good.. Or at least interesting, in a weird 7-11-spiciest-chip sort of way? Not my intent with the metaphor, but Willy Wonka, hit me up.

#Dodgers #discovered #Mike #Piazza #despise">The Dodgers discovered Mike Piazza, then came to despise him The fact that Mike Piazza is a metalhead really fits with this beef. I believe it’s quite metal to shake out your mullet and be like, “The Dodgers drafted me when no one else would, but f-you corporate ownership, I don’t owe you no debt of gratitude!”Now it might be slightly less metal to then say, “so make me the highest paid player in baseball or I’m gonna be distracted on the field, million is not enough for me I have expensive taste.” But I’m not a heavy metal expert! Band t-shirts are probably expensive, officially licensed ones at least, maybe you have to be rich to be a metalhead?Either way, In a bitter contract dispute in 1998, Los Angeles saw Piazza as greedy and disloyal, and Piazza saw the Dodgers organization as calculating and disloyal, and the fans fickle. He also blamed Vin Scully for his “Greedy Mike” label and that right there turned this beef from soft supple meat that could in theory be easily squashed, to an everlasting gobstopper, flamin’ beef flavor.Wait… that sounds kind of good.. Or at least interesting, in a weird 7-11-spiciest-chip sort of way? Not my intent with the metaphor, but Willy Wonka, hit me up. #Dodgers #discovered #Mike #Piazza #despise

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