The Baltimore Ravens had a must-win game in Week 17 against the Green Bay Packers, and kept their playoff hopes alive. They took home a decisive primetime victory, locking up a 41-24 win.
According to , the Ravens’ playoff odds jumped to 21% with the win. Their chances remain very unrealistic, but they look far better than they did entering Week 17.
Heading into Sunday, it is all up to the Cleveland Browns. If the Browns defeat the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens will gain new life in the race for the AFC North title and, in turn, the last spot in the playoffs. If Cleveland falls, as many expect it to, it is officially over for Baltimore in 2025.
The pressure is on the Steelers.
Ravens put pressure on Steelers with Week 17 win
If Pittsburgh loses to Cleveland on Sunday, its playoff chances fall to 45%. Somehow, someway, in that instance, the Ravens would once again be favorites to make the postseason out of the AFC North. It may be false hope, but Baltimore did their job, and with such a strong win, there is reason for at least a glimmer of hope.
If all goes to plan for the Ravens, they will have a shot at the ultimate revenge in Week 18. After falling to the Steelers in Week 14, 27-22, they put themselves at a severe disadvantage in the playoff race. It is proving to be the toughest loss of the year in the grand scheme of things, but all could be reversed if the balls fall into place for a Ravens vs. Steelers winner-takes-all clash in Week 18.
Of course, Baltimore is still an incredibly flawed team. Their offense, while electric on Saturday, has significant issues up front. The offensive line is among the worst in the NFL. On defense, they showed cracks all night in Week 17. They allowed backup quarterback Malik Willis to dice them up through the air and gash them for big gains on the ground. They will undoubtedly have to clean up those flaws if they truly want a chance to sneak into the playoffs.