Ridiculous playoff scenario could keep the Ravens out of the postseason

The Baltimore Ravens already face pretty steep odds of making the playoffs going into Week 18. Even with a victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens would still need three other games to play out in a specific way to actually reach the postseason.

But there’s another unforeseen obstacle potentially in the way. And that obstacle could result in one of the most ludicrous playoff scenarios the NFL has ever seen.

Two teams that are also vying for the playoffs in Week 18 are the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders. Those two teams just so happen to play each other which would seemingly indicate that there isn’t a scenario where both qualify.

But there is one very specific way both the Chargers and Raiders could make the playoffs. Unfortunately, that scenario would screw over the Ravens mightily.

The Ravens could miss the playoffs under ridiculous circumstances

One of the caveats for a Baltimore playoff berth is that the two-win Jacksonville Jaguars have to pull off a shocking upset against the Indianapolis Colts. Of course, that very game is probably the biggest reason the Ravens have such low odds to actually make it.

But what if Jacksonville does somehow win? Chaos. Chaos is what happens.

If the Jaguars manage to win, that would set up a scenario where a tie in the Chargers/Raiders game would mean that both teams qualify.

And since the Jaguars game takes place at 1 p.m. ET and the Chargers/Raiders game is on Sunday night, that essentially means that both teams could theoretically just play for a tie to avoid missing out on the playoffs.

That’s right, if the Jaguars win, we could see a scenario where both teams in the final game of the regular season aren’t even playing to win. Of course, that would be bad news for the Ravens who need a Raiders win to make the postseason.

Now, is this something that either team would actually consider? I wouldn’t count on both teams just kneeling the ball 15 times and calling it a day.

But if the game is close nearing the end of regulation, it would absolutely be in the best interest of both sides to play for the tie.

If such a scenario unfolds, the AFC playoff picture would erupt into utter chaos. For the Ravens’ sake, they’re hoping at least a little chaos occurs on Sunday in the form of an unlikely Jaguars victory.

They can do without the tie, however.