Not only are the Baltimore Ravens locked in an AFC North battle with the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they're also fighting for a wild card spot in the postseason. They could make a big difference in the division race this weekend and clinch a playoff spot in the process.
At 9-5, Baltimore enters Week 16 in fifth place in the AFC, and with a game against the Chargers on Thursday, the Ravens have a half-game lead over both Los Angeles and Denver.
Ravens playoff advance scenario
The Ravens are three games behind the non-playoff teams heading into Week 16, so they'll need to open up a little more space to advance. A win for Baltimore would put them 3.5 games ahead of the team tied for eighth place with only three games left, so that's all it takes. At 10 wins and 5 losses, the worst result is 10 wins and 7 losses, and both teams tied for 8th place have already lost six games.
Even if the Ravens lose to the Steelers on Saturday, they can get back into the playoff picture with some help this weekend.
Losing both teams on the outside will also give the Ravens much-needed space, as Baltimore is already ahead of the Cincinnati Bengals in the standings thanks to their two wins against the Bengals.
- Colts Lose/Tie AND Dolphins Lose/Tie
With nine losses, the Ravens are 8-9 at most, and the Ravens have already won nine games.
AFC Standings for Saturday Week 16
1.y-kansas city chiefs (13-1)
2.y-buffalo bills (11-3)
3.×-pittsburgh steelers (10-4)
4.y-houston texans (9-5)
5. baltimore ravens (9-5)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (9-6, victory over DEN)*
7. denver broncos (9-6, lost to LAC)*
8. indianapolis colts (6-8, 5-5 AFC wins over MIA)*
9. miami dolphins (6-8, 5-5 AFC, lost to IND)*
10. cincinnati bengals (6-8, 3-6 AFC)*
11. new york jets (4-10) — Eliminated
12. cleveland browns (3-11, victory over JAX) — Eliminated
13. jacksonville jaguars (3-11, won against TEN, lost against CLE, won against NE) — Eliminated
14. tennessee titans (3-11, lost to JAX, won against NE) — Lost
15. New England Patriots (3-11, lost to Jacks & Ten) — Eliminated
16. las vegas raiders (2-12) — Eliminated
Teams marked with an asterisk
excluded from division competition
Teams marked with (x) have qualified for the playoffs
The team marked with (y) won the division
