Bold claim: the Ravens aren’t out of the AFC North race yet, and three pathways still exist to top the division. With three weeks to go, Baltimore carries a 37% shot at the playoffs and has a clear route to overtaking the Steelers. Both teams hold a similar urgency, but only one can emerge as champion in the final stretch.
Current standings and remaining schedules:
- Ravens (7-7) trail the Steelers (8-6) by one game. The teams will meet in the regular-season finale in Pittsburgh, and in every scenario, Baltimore must win that matchup.
- Ravens schedule:
- Week 16: vs. New England Patriots (11-3)
- Week 17: at Green Bay Packers (9-4-1)
- Week 18: at Pittsburgh Steelers
- Steelers schedule:
- Week 16: at Detroit Lions (8-6)
- Week 17: at Cleveland Browns (3-11)
- Week 18: vs. Baltimore Ravens
How the Ravens can clinch the AFC North for a third straight season:
1) Win the remainder of the season
If Baltimore defeats the Patriots on Sunday Night Football at M&T Bank Stadium, then wins at Green Bay, and caps it off by beating the Steelers in Week 18, they are division champions. After their 24-0 victory over the Bengals, the Ravens still control their own destiny, which means all they can do is focus on taking care of their own business. Head coach John Harbaugh emphasized the necessity of finishing strong, noting that skipping a win in any of these games would be a major stretch.
2) Split the Patriots/Packers and still get help
A one-loss slide in the next two games can still open the door. If the Steelers drop a game to either the Lions or the Browns, the Ravens can afford a loss to either the Patriots or Packers and still keep themselves in the mix. The crucial weekend comes when Pittsburgh’s game against Detroit kicks off at 4:25 p.m. on Sunday. If Pittsburgh loses, Baltimore will have a prime opportunity on Sunday night. Beating the Patriots would then set up a Week 18 showdown in Pittsburgh for the division title, and the following week’s game in Green Bay would essentially carry no extra stake for the AFC North race—only the win-or-go-home pressure would remain for both teams.
3) Steelers stumble twice and Ravens win the finale
If the Steelers lose their next two road games in Detroit and Cleveland, the door swings wider for Baltimore. The Ravens could afford to drop their own next two games against the Patriots and Packers, but if they still beat the Steelers in Week 18, they would claim the division with an eventual 8-9 record.
Bottom line: Baltimore still has a tangible shot to win the AFC North, but it hinges on finishing strong and, ideally, getting a helping hand from Pittsburgh’s results. The next few weeks will reveal whether the Ravens can execute their plan or if the Steelers can hold serve and maintain their lead.
