After Saturday's Slate of Games, Baltimore Ravens' Path to Clinch a Playoff Spot is Simple
As Week 15 opened on Thursday night, there were no less than nine different playoff-clinching scenarios in effect for the Ravens. Now, after the NFL triple-header on Saturday is complete, coach John Harbaugh and the rest of the Baltimore crew know exactly what they have to do Sunday night against Jacksonville.
Win and they're in.
With the Steelers and Broncos both losing during the Saturday slate of games, the Ravens can clinch their fourth playoff appearance in five seasons with a win over Jacksonville.
John Harbaugh (L) and Lamar Jackson
USA Today
Both Denver and Pittsburgh fell to 7-7 and fell multiple spots in the postseason bracket, meaning if 10-3 Baltimore can get to 11 wins on Sunday night, they'll punch their ticket.
What the Ravens hope to do is avoid a repeat of what happened to division rival Pittsburgh. The Steelers were in action on Saturday with playoff hopes already circling the drain. Quarterback Mitchell Trubisky threw two interceptions and was ultimately benched for Mason Rudolph late in the 30-13 road loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
At 7-7, Pittsburgh falls farther behind in the playoff picture and sits in last place in the AFC North.
Denver was also desperate for a win to salvage its playoff chances but got rolled by the Lions 42-17 in a performance reminiscent of the first month of the season.
The AFC playoff picture is led by the Ravens as the current No. 1 seed, and the goal for Baltimore is clear. With remaining games against Jacksonville, San Francisco, Miami and Pittsburgh, the No. 1 seed in well within reach. If the Ravens keep winning, it's theirs. The biggest test will come Christmas Day as they travel all the way across the country to Santa Clara to take on the NFC-leading 49ers. San Francisco has already clinched a spot in the NFC postseason.
