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The final push to the playoffs is on, and it started Saturday with a doubleheader to kick off Week 18.
The first game of the day took place in Baltimore, where the Ravens destroyed the Browns 35-10. With the win, the Ravens have now clinched the AFC North and the third overall seed in the AFC.
Heading into Week 15, the Ravens were sitting two games out of first place and they seemed like a long shot to win the division, but since then, they’ve won four in a row while the Steelers have lost three in a row, which allowed the Ravens to steal the division.
In the nightcap on Saturday, the Bengals will be fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive in Pittsburgh against the Steelers. If the Bengals lose, they’ll be eliminated from playoff contention. On the other hand, the Steelers also have plenty to play for: If they beat the Bengals, they’ll clinch the fifth seed in the AFC, which would guarantee them a wild-card game against the Texans.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at where the playoff picture stands following Baltimore’s win. We’ll take a look at all the possible seeds and possible opponents for each team in the playoff race.
AFC playoff standings
STILL ALIVE
Dolphins (8-8): For the Dolphins to make the playoffs, they have to beat the Jets on Sunday AND the Broncos have to lose to the Chiefs.
Bengals (8-8): For the Bengals to make the playoffs, three things have to happen: They have to beat the Steelers, the Broncos have to lose to the Chiefs AND the Dolphins have to lose to the Jets.
Note: The Bengals and Dolphins can only get the seventh seed, which means the team that eventually earns the final wild card spot will be heading to Buffalo for the opening round of the playoffs.
AFC wild-card matchups (Based on current standings)
(Teams in bold have clinched their seed)
(7) Broncos at (2) Bills
(6) Chargers at (3) Ravens
(5) Steelers at (4) Texans
Bye: (1) Chiefs
NFC playoff…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2025-nfl-playoff-picture-bracket-how-saturday-win-by-ravens-impacts-postseason-race-clinching-scenarios/
Author : John Breech
Publish date : 2025-01-05 00:52:00
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