The AFC playoff picture saw a dramatic shift on Christmas Day, and the Baltimore Ravens were front and center. By dismantling the Houston Texans 31-2, Baltimore not only clinched a playoff berth but also surged to the top of the AFC North standings, thanks to Pittsburgh’s earlier loss to Kansas City.
The Ravens’ victory was a statement, one that solidified their position as a team no one wants to face come January.
The game itself was a clinic, highlighted by Lamar Jackson’s historic performance. In just over three quarters, Jackson threw for 168 yards and two touchdowns while adding 87 rushing yards and another score. Along the way, he became the NFL’s all-time leading rusher among quarterbacks, surpassing Michael Vick’s record.
But this wasn’t just about records—it was about dominance. Baltimore’s defense stifled Houston, holding them to two points (none on offense) and forcing C.J. Stroud into multiple mistakes.
With the win, Baltimore improved to 11-5 and now controls its destiny in the AFC North. A victory or a tie in Week 18 against Cleveland secures the division crown, while Pittsburgh, losers of three straight, needs a Ravens loss and their own win against Cincinnati to reclaim the top spot. But the Ravens’ performance in recent weeks makes it clear: this is a team that’s peaking at the perfect time.
Updated AFC playoff picture: Ravens surge to No. 3 seed
Here’s how the AFC playoff standings look heading into the final week of the regular season:
- Kansas City Chiefs (15-1) – Clinched top seed, home-field advantage, and a first-round bye.
- Buffalo Bills (12-3) – AFC East champions, locked into the second seed.
- Baltimore Ravens (11-5) – AFC North leaders, control their destiny for the division title.
- Houston Texans (9-7) – AFC South champions, locked into the fourth seed.
- Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6) – Wild card No. 1, can win the division with a Week 18 victory and Ravens loss.
- Los Angeles Chargers (9-6) – Wild card No. 2, can clinch with one more win.
- Denver Broncos (9-6) – Wild card No. 3, a win in Week 17 against Cincinnati clinches their spot.
In the hunt: Indianapolis Colts (7-8), Miami Dolphins (7-8), Cincinnati Bengals (7-8).
Baltimore’s rise to the third seed not only gives them a chance to host a playoff game but also sets them up with momentum heading into the postseason.
Meanwhile, the Texans’ loss locks them into the fourth seed, meaning they’ll host the AFC North runner-up in the wild-card round. Considering their struggles against Baltimore, Houston should be relieved that their likely opponent will now be Pittsburgh.
The Steelers, however, have their own issues. A loss to Kansas City marked their third consecutive defeat, and their once-formidable defense has looked vulnerable down the stretch. Should Baltimore clinch the division, Houston would face a reeling Pittsburgh team in a game that feels far more winnable than another matchup with the Ravens.
The Ravens have one more task to complete in Week 18, but they’ve already sent a clear message to the AFC: they’re a legitimate contender, and their best football may still be ahead of them.