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A lot will be determined during the final three weeks of the NFL’s 2023 regular season. That includes who will win the AFC’s coveted No. 1 seed and the playoff bye that comes with it.
Four AFC teams still have a realistic shot at getting a playoff bye. The Ravens are the current leaders in the clubhouse by virtue of their 11-3 record. Miami (10-4) is right on their heels, followed by nine-win Kansas City and Cleveland.
Will the Ravens hang on, or will either the Dolphins, Chiefs or Browns catch them between now and the end of the regular season? The answer may lie in each teams’ remaining schedule. As you can see below, Baltimore and Miami have significantly tougher remaining schedules than Kansas City and Cleveland.
Remaining schedules among AFC’s top teams
Ravens
It’s a good thing John Harbaugh’s team has already clinched a playoff spot. But in order to win the AFC’s top seed, Baltimore will have to handle itself against the NFC’s top-ranked team, its top competition to capture the top seed and its archrival in Week 18.
Fortunately for the Ravens, they have one game in hand against Miami, who they will face in Week 17. If they beat the Dolphins, Baltimore will likely sew up the AFC’s top seed. If they lose, the Ravens will likely need to win their other two remaining games while also having the Dolphins lose to the either the Cowboys or Bills. That would give Baltimore 13 wins, one more than Miami and enough to earn the top seed.
Based on their first 14 games, the safe bet is that the Ravens finish the job and earn their first playoff bye since 2019. They’re top 10 in just about every category including scoring (fourth), points allowed (fourth) and third-down and red zone efficiency.
Lamar Jackson is a big reason for Baltimore’s big season. Jackson has benefitted from first-year offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s offense and a deep group of skill players who so far have helped…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/race-for-afcs-top-seed-dolphins-ravens-in-week-17-could-determine-who-lands-home-field-advantage/
Author : Bryan DeArdo
Publish date : 2023-12-21 15:25:55
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