The Baltimore Ravens watched their distant playoff hopes get pushed to the brink after their Week 16 loss to the New England Patriots. Their most realistic path to the playoffs was winning their last three games. Sunday’s loss means Baltimore not only needs to win their next two games but also will need some help to keep their 2025 season alive.
While the Ravens need to win out, the Pittsburgh Steelers must lose out. The two AFC North foes square off in Week 18, so if all goes right for Baltimore in Week 17, the regular-season finale will be a winner-take-all matchup for the division crown. The current outlook for that looks grim, though, as the Cleveland Browns must beat Pittsburgh next week.
At 3-12, the Browns are one of the worst teams in the NFL this year. Because of that, the Steelers are an overwhelming favorite to win and, in turn, clinch a playoff berth. According to NFL.com, their playoff odds stand at 92%. But a recent suspension of their star wide receiver, DK Metcalf, could change that.
DK Metcalf's suspension could offer a glimmer of hope for the Ravens’ playoff situation
After getting into a physical altercation with a Detroit Lions fan during the Steelers’ win on Sunday, the league was looking into a potential fine or even suspension. On Monday, it was reported that Metcalf would be suspended for two games. As it stands, he will not be able to suit up again until the playoffs, if they make it.
Of course, Metcalf could appeal the suspension, but for now, he will be out for a pivotal stretch.
Given the circumstances, a two-game suspension is somewhat shocking. With Pittsburgh’s season hanging in the balance, losing a significant piece of their offense will undoubtedly hurt the team in the final two weeks.
Ravens fans are familiar with player-fan altercations. In Baltimore’s Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Lamar Jackson shoved a fan after a DeAndre Hopkins touchdown. He was not fined or suspended by the NFL, and the Ravens handled that situation internally. In that scenario, though, the fan initiated the dispute. On Sunday, it seemed like Metcalf went out of his way to escalate things.
Obviously, Baltimore remains a distant shot to make the postseason. Their odds currently sit at 8%. However, if the Metcalf suspension holds, and the Ravens win next week and the Browns upset the Steelers, they will have one less weapon to worry about in Week 18.
They have to make it there, though, and Baltimore cannot worry about outside factors. They must control what they can control.