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The final push to the NFL 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 kept their playoff hopes alive by pulling out a wild 19-17 win over the Steelers. The win means that the Bengals can steal the final wild-card spot in the AFC if both the Broncos and Dolphins lose on Sunday. As for the Steelers, they’re already in the playoffs, but they won’t know their seed until after the Chargers and Raiders play on Sunday.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at where the playoff picture stands following the doubleheader. 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
Bengals (9-8): After beating the Steelers on Saturday, two more things now have to happen for the Bengals to make the playoffs: The Broncos have to lose to the Chiefs AND the Dolphins have to lose to the Jets.
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.
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) Steelers at (3) Ravens
(5) Chargers at (4) Texans
Bye: (1)…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2025-nfl-playoff-picture-bracket-how-wins-by-ravens-and-bengals-impact-postseason-race-clinching-scenarios/
Author : John Breech
Publish date : 2025-01-05 04:20:00
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