The Baltimore Ravens captured a momentum-shifting win in Week 15 against the Cincinnati Bengals. Their 24-0 shutout was a complete team victory, and with three tough opponents awaiting them in the coming weeks, this get-right performance could not have come at a better time.
The Ravens were hoping to get some help heading into Monday night. The Miami Dolphins, who were still fighting for their playoff lives, could have ruined the Pittsburgh Steelers’ season with an upset. However, the Steelers were outstanding in primetime. Their 28-15 win keeps them a game in front of Baltimore with three weeks to go.
Still, the Ravens did their job and still have control of their destiny in the AFC playoff hunt.
AFC playoff picture has Ravens inching closer, but remain in a tight squeeze
According to NFL.com, Baltimore saw their playoff chances jump from 33% to 40% with Sunday’s win. The Steelers still sit firmly in front with 61% odds to make the playoffs, and hold a one-game lead and tiebreaker over the Ravens.
Obviously, the final three games will determine each team's season, and the two divisional foes have some tough matchups scheduled.
The Ravens have the more competitive two-game stretch lying ahead. They square off with the New England Patriots in Week 16 and follow that up with a clash against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.
The Steelers face a Detroit Lions team next week that is just as desperate to make the playoffs as they are. Then in Week 17, they draw a matchup against the Cleveland Browns, which should be an easy win, but games against division rivals can get weird.
If both sides win their next two, the division crown will be given to the winner of the Ravens/Steelers showdown in Week 18.
The bad news for Baltimore is that Pittsburgh is clearly finding a rhythm. Their offense appears to have found its identity, while the defense consistently presents challenges for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense. However, Baltimore has some momentum of their own.
Both teams are more than capable of conquering the challenges that lie ahead. John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin know better than anyone how to lead a team during these stretches, and both teams are led by former MVPs at quarterback. Looking ahead to Week 18, that matchup has the makings of an instant classic, and if the division comes down to that game, it should be an exciting final chapter to the 2025 campaign.