The Ravens (9-5) are second in the AFC North and all but guaranteed to make the playoffs regardless of what happens in Week 16. Still, a loss to the Steelers and a Houston Win over Kansas City could send Baltimore sliding to the sixth seed, with a matchup against the Texans looming in Week 17.
Overall, a bad two weeks for Baltimore could put John Harbaugh’s team down as far as the seventh seed and on a collision course with Buffalo in the wild-card round.
There are ways back to the No. 3 or four seed, and that starts with a win over Pittsburgh on Sunday and some help down the stretch.
With Thursday night football quickly approaching, we’re looking at the Week 16 rooting guide for Ravens fans.
Amazon Prime Broncos (9-5) vs. Chargers (8-6)
Both teams are all but guaranteed to make the postseason and could face the Bills or Steelers in the wild-card round. We’re rooting for a Chargers upset, which would lock Baltimore into the fifth spot and put it on a collision course with Houston.
Root for Chargers
NBC, TELEMUNDO, UNIVERSO Texans (9-5) vs. Chiefs (13-1)
Houston would have to fall off the cliff and lose three straight for Indianapolis to take that No. 4 seed as the AFC North winner. Baltimore matches up well with the Texans and the Colts, so a Kansas City win is a positive.
Root for Chiefs
CBS Browns (3-11) vs. Bengals (6-8)
The Bengals (7%) currently have the lowest odds of any team still eligible for the playoffs, but this explosive offense could make noise in the postseason.
Root for Browns
CBS Patriots (3-11) vs. Bills (12-2)
Defeating the Steelers and eventually gaining control of the AFC North could put the Ravens as high as the No. 3 seed. A loss or two by the surging Bills could get Baltimore to as high as the No. 2 seed if they can win out.
Root for New England