Entering Week 17, the Baltimore Ravens’ 2025 season looked over. Not only did they have to defeat a Green Bay Packers team headed to the postseason, but their playoff hopes were in the hands of the Cleveland Browns.
Baltimore did their job with a stunning win over Green Bay on Saturday, putting everything on Cleveland on Sunday. Thankfully, the Browns got it done. They toughed out a 13-6 win over Pittsburgh.
Now, all the chips are on the table in Week 18. The Ravens will travel to Pittsburgh for a winner-takes-all regular season finale, and the odds are actually in their favor.
Week 17 puts Ravens back in position to take division crown
According to NFL.com, the Ravens have taken over the favorable probability of making the playoffs. The updated odds give Baltimore a 55% chance of making the playoffs. The Steelers see their odds tumble all the way down to 45%. There is one spot left, and it is that final division winner, the four seed. It all comes down to next week.
Before everything went the Ravens’ way, they had just an 11% chance to find themselves in the playoffs, and suffered one of their worst losses of the season against the New England Patriots. It is a complete momentum swing.
Following Week 17, Baltimore’s offense is playing how it should have played all year long. Running back Derrick Henry erupted for 216 yards and four touchdowns on 36 carries. It has been clear since Week 1 that focusing on the rushing attack will lead to wins, and while Head Coach John Harbaugh and Todd Monken strayed away from that philosophy in Week 16, they righted their wrongs on Saturday.
In Pittsburgh’s case, their defense will be on a roll after this week, despite the loss. They have several playmakers scattered around the field, and will likely get outside linebacker T.J. Watt back next Sunday. The passing game could be a glaring issue, though.
After Baltimore’s secondary played their worst game of the year, Pittsburgh’s air attack struggled themselves. Wide receiver DK Metcalf will still be suspended in their matchup, and if no one can step up on the outside, the Ravens’ secondary could dodge a massive bullet.
Still, it has the makings of an instant classic. All that matters is that Baltimore has life now.