Tag: AFC Playoff picture

Lamar Jackson among seven Ravens named to the AFC Pro Bowl

Lamar Jackson is among seven Baltimore Ravens players named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster

The Ravens are the NFL’s best team, and the AFC power was properly represented on the Pro Bowl team, with seven players named.

Baltimore’s Pro Bowlers are quarterback Lamar Jackson, linebacker Roquan Smith, safety Kyle Hamilton, defensive tackle Justin Madubuike, center Tyler Linderbaum, linebacker Patrick Queen, and kicker Justin Tucker.

It’s the first time for Hamilton, Madubuike, Queen, and Linderbaum – all players General Manager Eric DeCosta drafted.

Ravens have 12 players land on injury report ahead of season finale vs. Steelers

The Baltimore Ravens had 12 players land on the Wednesday injury report ahead of the season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers

The Ravens have the AFC’s first round bye and the rest will come at the right time for an elite team that’s banged up.

Baltimore will face Pittsburgh in the Week 18 season finale, and John Harbaugh’s team had 12 players land on the initial Wednesday injury report.

Cornerback Brandon Stephens (ankle) returned to practice after missing Sunday’s game against the Dolphins.

Baltimore also welcomed back defensive back Ar’Darius Washington, who was designated for return from injured reserve, opening his 21-day practice window.

Washington suffered a chest injury in Week 2 in Cincinnati.

News, notes and nuggets heading into massive Dolphins vs. Bills battle

Some nuggets heading into this pivotal Week 18 matchup.

Following a brutal loss to the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday, the Miami Dolphins are still in a position to claim the AFC East, which comes with the No. 2 seed, a home playoff game and potentially more.

The hated Buffalo Bills have had their own rollercoaster of a season and find themselves in win-and-in playoff situations while a loss could even leave them on the outskirts of the postseason.

While this game may not be for the faint of heart, perhaps the stakes could’ve been avoided if Miami was able to lock one or two more wins up over the course of the season. However, the Dolphins sit at 11-5 and aim to lock up their first divisional title since 2008. They were crowned division winners then on the very last game of the season, beating the New York Jets on the road.

The last time the Miami and Buffalo franchises played for the AFC East title on the last game of the season was December 19, 1981.

Here are some more news, notes and nuggets for Sunday’s game:

Where the Bills sit in the AFC playoff picture after Patriots win

Where the #Bills sit in the AFC playoff picture after #Patriots win:

The Buffalo Bills went into Week 17 against the New England Patriots holding onto a wild-card position.

Naturally, a 27-21 win helps their case.

Now a team on a winning streak, the Bills sit in a better spot in terms of postseason seeding. In fact, if the season ended today they’d be in.

What is further helped the Bills is their record in the AFC. Their win against New England helps there.

Up next, Buffalo will head into another tough matchup. They’ll travel to the Miami Dolphins (11-5). A win and the AFC East title is theirs.

But for now, here is how the full AFC standings look following the Bills’ win over the Patriots:

* – Denotes division leader.
**- Wild-card team.
x- Clinched playoff position. 

John Harbaugh deserves the NFL Coach of the year award

The No.1 seeded Baltimore Ravens have the best record in the NFL and a beloved head coach named John Harbaugh.

The AFC’s No. 1 seed Baltimore Ravens have the best record in the NFL and a beloved head coach named John Harbaugh. Does Harbaugh deserve the NFL Coach of the Year award?

Harbaugh has had an extraordinary career with a winning record of 171-107 but this season he’s been even more special. Harbaugh deserves credit for allowing new offensive coordinator Todd Monken the liberty to run a newer non-traditional offense.

The Ravens rank No. 2 in the NFL in points per game, No. 1 in points allowed per game, and have arguably, the league’s MVP in quarterback Lamar Jackson. With a roster full of talent, Harbaugh has done a tremendous job establishing a philosophy of togetherness in the Ravens locker room. 

Harbaugh has stayed optimistic, even after overcoming key injuries. The Ravens incurred season-ending injuries to tight-end Mark Andrews and running back Keaton Mitchell, plus overcame early season injuries to defensive back Marlon Humphrey and wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr.

Harbaugh’s cool-headed approach is contagious and it’s evidently why reserves have entered the lineup and performed so well, including safety Geno Stone who leads the team with seven interceptions, and tight-end Isaiah Likely who has played well.

 
 
 
 
 
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Beckham Jr. openly confessed that the 2023 Ravens were the best team he has ever been a part of. Cleveland Browns fans may praise head coach Kevin Stefanski but should thank Harbaugh for his impact on quarterback Joe Flacco’s longevity. Perhaps Harbaugh will be crowned at the NFL Honors this February. 

Full list of Bills playoff scenarios for final week of regular season

Full list of #Bills playoff scenarios for final week of regular season vs. the #Dolphins:

The Buffalo Bills and western New York have one thing on their mind heading into Week 18’s matchup with the Miami Dolphins: Win.

But games in the NFL can go many different ways. For the Bills (10-6) that means there are numerous different scenarios that could play out across the league regarding their playoff future.

Beat the Dolphins (11-5), yes. There are other games you must make sure to key in on, too. There is still a world out there where Buffalo could still miss the postseason.

Here are all the Bills playoff scenarios that could unfold in Week 18:

National reaction to Ravens clinching No. 1 seed in AFC with 56-19 win over Dolphins

We’re looking at the national reaction to the Baltimore Ravens clinching the No. 1 seed in the AFC with a 56-19 win over the Miami Dolphins in Week 17

The Ravens are champions of the AFC North and the No. 1 seed in the conference after dismantling the Miami Dolphins, 56-19 on Sunday afternoon.

In a scene that can only be dominant and brutal, Lamar Jackson was near perfect on the afternoon, likely wrapping up his second MVP award since 2019.

With preparation for the finale against Pittsburgh starting to begin, we’re looking at the national reaction to this win.

Highlights and takeaways from first half as Ravens hold a 28-13 lead over Dolphins

We’re looking at highlights and takeaways from first half as the Baltimore Ravens hold a 28-13 lead over the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium in Week 17

The Ravens were physical, held the Dolphins to 269 yards in the first half, and converted both red zone attempts to amass a 28-13 lead over Miami in the first half of their AFC Showdown.

Baltimore had 313 yards of total offense and one significant turnover that led to pints, while Tua Tagovalioa was 14 of 26 for 183 yards, 1 TD, and 1 INT with Jaylen Waddle out of the lineup.

Miami also lost star cornerback Xavien Howard for the game with an injury.

As the second half begins, here are highlights and takeaways from the first half.

Ravens defenders Brandon Stephens, Kyle Hamilton are questionable for matchup vs. Dolphins

Kyle Hamilton listed as questionable for Ravens matchup vs. Dolphins

Baltimore is set to match up with the NFL’s leading passing attack that’ll feature the NFL’s best wide receiver in Tyreek Hill, and they could be without three defenders in the secondary.

Safety Kyle Hamilton (knee) and cornerback Brandon Stephens (ankle) are both questionable to play, along with nickel Arthur Maulet (knee).

Hamilton has been a Swiss army knife in the Ravens’ defense this season, and Stephens has been the Ravens’ most consistent cornerback and started every game.

Hamilton didn’t practice Friday after being limited on Thursday. Stephens was added to the injury report on Thursday and was still out Friday.

Flowers missed two days of practice before taking part in Friday’s session on a limited basis. Flowers leads the Ravens with 74 catches for 752 yards and four touchdowns.

Win in Kansas City moved Raiders out of top 3 draft pick range to real shot at AFC West title

Raiders went from top 3 draft pick range to real shot at AFC West title with win in Kansas City

This time last week, the Raiders’ odds were higher for getting a pick in the top five than they were of making the playoffs. Facing the defending Super Bowl champs in their house would seem to be just the thing that officially knocked them out of playoff contention. But, going into Arrowhead and pulling out a win? Well, that’s made for a very different story.

Now, with just two games left, not only is a winning record a possibility, but so too is the division title.

Not to get ahead of ourselves here, but it would be the first division title for the Raiders in over 20 years (2002).

All that needs to happen is for the Raiders to win their last two and the Chiefs to lose their last two. That would put the two teams at 9-8 at the end of the season, but with the Raiders winning the tie-breaker due to a better division record (4-2).

A month ago the idea that the Raiders could finish the season on a three-game win streak and the Chiefs on a three-game losing streak to flip the division seemed an impossibility.

After all, the Chiefs were sitting at 8-3 and looking like the favorite for the number one seed, while the Raiders were 5-8 staring at another lost season and hoping for a high draft pick.

In that timespan, the Raiders defense has led them to a 2-1 record while the Chiefs have stumbled to go 1-3. So, the Raiders winning out while the Chiefs losing out is very possible.

The Raiders final two games come against the Colts (8-7) and Broncos (7-8). The Chiefs finish the season against the Bengals (8-7) and Chargers (5-10).

Should the Chiefs win a game, the Raiders could still make the playoffs, but they’d need a lot more help.

Not only would the Raiders have to win out, but the Jaguars, Steelers, Texans, and Bengals would all have to lose at least one game.

On the flip side, technically speaking, the Raiders are still in range of the fifth overall pick should they lose the last two.