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Baltimore Ravens playoff chances: Rooting guide for the Flock

By Chris Schisler

Nov 8, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) hits Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 8, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive end Yannick Ngakoue (91) hits Indianapolis Colts quarterback Philip Rivers (17) in the first half at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Baltimore Ravens
Dec 14, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back J.K. Dobbins (27) scores a two-point conversion during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at FirstEnergy Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /

The Cleveland Browns:

The Browns play the New York Jets in week 16. Crazier things have happened, and the Jets just toppled the Los Angles Rams, still, no help should come here. The Browns finish the season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. This could be an AFC North title game to end the season. Cleveland will potentially be all-in with a win or go home hand.

The good news for the Ravens is that the Steelers may have something to play for in that season finale. The Steelers have lost three straight games in a row. We’re not talking about seeding anymore, we’re talking about a division title. If the Ravens go into week 17 needing help, this is the game the Steelers need to win.

That’s right, Baltimore. Pittsburgh needs to win to help us out. Get over it right now. It’s not rooting for the Steelers, because that’s physically impossible (right?). This will be a case of rooting for the Browns to lose. This is a much more palatable way of looking at this. If Baltimore didn’t want help they should have just held on to the lead they had against Pittsburgh.

The sad thing is if the Steelers lose out the division a three-way tie becomes a possibility. The Ravens couldn’t win the division in any scenario. They got swept by the Steelers. There is no scenario where the Steelers don’t play in the postseason. Pittsburgh already locked up a playoff spot.

Next Sunday you need to root for the Jets. That doesn’t mean it’s going to happen. To be frank, it’s impossible to expect the Browns to lose in East Rutherford, New Jersey. That would be a scrumptious belated Christmas present though and it is the season to hope, right?

The most realistic path for the Ravens to get what they want via Baker Mayfield’s displeasure is Pittsburgh winning their season finale.

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