Updated AFC playoff picture after Ravens make statement against Chargers on MNF

Lamar Jackson accounted for three total touchdowns, Derrick Henry rushed for 140 yards, and John Harbaugh improved to 3-0 against his brother Jim as the Baltimore Ravens secured a 30-23 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football.

This was the first Harbaugh-vs.-Harbaugh matchup since Super Bowl XLVII, with John again emerging victorious. Justice Hill’s electrifying 51-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave Baltimore the cushion they needed to close out the game. The Ravens, now 8-4, have won three of their last four and remain firmly in the AFC playoff race.

Lamar Jackson completed 16 of 22 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. He also added a 10-yard rushing score in the second quarter to put Baltimore on the board after trailing 10-0. Rashod Bateman delivered a highlight-reel 40-yard touchdown reception, while Mark Andrews caught a 6-yard touchdown pass as part of the Ravens’ balanced offensive attack.

The Chargers struggled offensively after a strong opening drive, failing to find the end zone for 54 minutes. Justin Herbert completed 21 of 36 passes for 218 yards and rushed for a touchdown, but the Ravens’ defense held Los Angeles to just 83 rushing yards and 4.8 yards per play.

Updated AFC playoff picture and standings after Week 12

With the win, Baltimore now occupies the fifth seed in the AFC playoff standings. If the playoffs began today, they would face the Houston Texans in the Wild Card round.

1. Kansas City Chiefs (10-1)
2. Buffalo Bills (9-2)
3. Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3)
4. Houston Texans (7-4)
5. Baltimore Ravens (8-4)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (7-4)
7. Denver Broncos (7-5)

How Week 12 shaped the AFC playoff picture

Every game in Week 12 carried playoff implications, with several contenders delivering pivotal performances.

• Kansas City Chiefs (10-1): The Chiefs held off a scrappy Panthers team to secure a 30-27 win. Patrick Mahomes threw three touchdowns, while Kansas City’s defense made key stops late to maintain their hold on the AFC’s top seed.
• Buffalo Bills (9-2): On a bye week, the Bills remain in second place, firmly in the hunt for the conference’s top seed.
• Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3): The Steelers stumbled in a 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns on Thursday Night Football. Despite Russell Wilson throwing for 270 yards and a touchdown, the Steelers offense couldn’t overcome a bend-don't-break Cleveland Browns defense.
• Houston Texans (7-4): The Texans suffered a narrow 32-27 loss to the Tennessee Titans. C.J. Stroud delivered another iffy showing with 247 yards passing, but two interceptions and a critical safety in the final minutes cost Houston the game.
• Los Angeles Chargers (7-4): The Chargers fell to the Ravens in a hard-fought Monday night game. Despite Justin Herbert’s efforts, Los Angeles struggled to protect him and allowed 212 rushing yards, dropping them to the sixth seed.
• Denver Broncos (7-5): Denver continued their climb with a 29-19 victory over the Raiders. Quarterback Ben Nix threw two touchdowns, while the defense held Las Vegas to just six second-half points, keeping the Broncos in playoff contention.

What's next for the Ravens?

The Ravens come back to Baltimore to play host to the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. The Eagles have been red-hot, winners of seven straight. Saquon Barkley has been a revelation for Philly. He's the only running back in the league outpacing Derrick Henry in rushing yards this season.

It’s officially the home stretch for Flock Nation. Let’s see if the Ravens can maintain their momentum after a much-needed and well-deserved win against the Chargers.

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