Baltimore Ravens Face Uphill Battle for AFC North Crown After Steelers Victory

The Pittsburgh Steelers won on Monday Night Football. This result hurt the Baltimore Ravens’ playoff hopes. The Steelers now lead the AFC North by a full game.

Baltimore remains in second place with a 7-7 record. They have only three games left in the regular season. Their path to the division title just became much harder.

Playoff Picture Tightens for Struggling Ravens

The Ravens must win their final three games. This includes road trips to New England and Green Bay. Their season finale is against Pittsburgh in Week 18.

Even winning two games may not be enough. The Steelers control their own destiny. According to Associated Press game reports, Baltimore cannot win the division before the final week.

All Pittsburgh must do is beat Baltimore in that last game. That would clinch the AFC North title for them. The Ravens’ margin for error is now zero.

A Daunting Path to the Postseason

The Ravens’ wild-card hopes are also fading. Several other AFC teams won in Week 15. Teams like Buffalo and Houston now have a multi-game lead for playoff spots.

Baltimore’s focus is solely on winning the division. They must avoid elimination before Week 18. To do that, they need to win and get some help.

The team’s difficult 1-4 start to the season is the root cause. They have been playing catch-up for months. Now they face a nearly must-win scenario every single week.

The Ravens’ entire season now hinges on a fierce final push. Their hopes for the AFC North championship require near perfection. The coming weeks will test their resilience under intense pressure.

Thought you’d like to know-

Q1: Can the Baltimore Ravens still win the AFC North?

Yes, but it is very difficult. They must win their remaining games and need the Pittsburgh Steelers to lose at least one other game before Week 18. Winning the division title is their only realistic playoff path.

Q2: What must happen for the Ravens to make the playoffs?

The Ravens likely need to win all three of their final games. They also need specific losses from the Steelers in Weeks 16 or 17. A wild-card berth is unlikely, so the division is their target.

Q3: Who do the Ravens play in their final three games?

They play the New England Patriots on the road in Week 16. In Week 17, they visit the Green Bay Packers. The season ends at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18.

Q4: Why is the Week 18 game against Pittsburgh so crucial?

It will likely decide the AFC North champion. If both teams win their next two games, the winner of that final matchup wins the division. The Steelers can clinch the title with a victory.

Q5: What is the biggest obstacle for the Ravens?

Their inconsistent performance all season is the main obstacle. They have struggled to string wins together. Now they have no room for error against tough opponents on the road.