Ravens’ Playoff Hopes Ride on a Rival as AFC North Drama Peaks
Right now, the AFC North has turned into one of the most dramatic storylines in the NFL playoffs, and the Baltimore Ravens are right in the middle of it. After a huge 41–24 win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, the Ravens managed to keep their season alive. But here’s the twist: their fate is no longer fully in their own hands.
Despite being longtime rivals, the Ravens are suddenly finding themselves rooting hard for the Cleveland Browns. The reason is simple. If the Browns can pull off a win against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Cleveland, the door stays open for Baltimore. That outcome would set up a winner-take-all showdown in Week 18 between the Ravens and Steelers in Pittsburgh, with the AFC North and the final playoff spot hanging in the balance. If Cleveland loses, the Ravens are eliminated from the postseason for the first time since 2021.
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The urgency of the moment was felt clearly in the Ravens’ locker room after the Packers game. Derrick Henry, who delivered a historic performance with 216 rushing yards and four touchdowns, made it clear how much this situation means. It was said, half-joking and half-serious, that prayers would be offered as soon as the plane landed and again the next morning, all in hopes of getting one more meaningful game. That’s how thin the margin is right now.
The Ravens’ win itself came under tough circumstances. Lamar Jackson was sidelined with a back contusion, forcing Tyler Huntley to step in at quarterback. Huntley responded with a steady, clutch performance, keeping the offense on track while Henry dominated on the ground. But even after doing everything they needed to do on Saturday night, the Ravens were left waiting and watching.
Adding another layer to this story is Huntley’s personal connection to Cleveland’s quarterback, Shedeur Sanders. The two spent time together in Browns training camp earlier this year, and Huntley joked that he couldn’t wait to call Sanders and make sure the job gets done. It’s a strange moment where former teammates and bitter rivals are suddenly linked by playoff math.
On paper, the Steelers are favored, even with injuries and suspensions affecting key players. Still, hope remains. Cleveland has beaten Pittsburgh in its last three home matchups, and Myles Garrett is chasing history as he pushes toward the single-season sack record. Those factors have kept belief alive in Baltimore.
For now, the Ravens have done their part. What happens next will be decided in a game they won’t play in, as an entire organization and fan base waits to see if a rival can keep their playoff dream alive for one more week.
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