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Updated AFC playoff picture after Browns weather the storm vs Steelers on TNF

The AFC playoff picture is starting to heat up.

By Matt Sidney

Cincinnati Bengals v Baltimore Ravens
Cincinnati Bengals v Baltimore Ravens / Patrick Smith/GettyImages
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The Cleveland Browns opened Week 12 with a gutsy 24-19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a snow-filled Thursday Night Football clash. Playing through blizzard conditions, Cleveland leaned on timely defense and a gutsy Jameis Winston to overcome their AFC North rival.

For the Baltimore Ravens, this result makes the playoff picture much more interesting, but it also highlights just how critical every game will be down the stretch.

The Browns’ win marked their second straight divisional victory after defeating the Ravens in Week 8 and came just days after Baltimore dropped a frustrating 18-16 game to these same Steelers in Week 11. With the Ravens set to face the surging Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football, the stakes in the AFC playoff race are higher than ever.

Recap of Week 11: Baltimore Ravens falter against Pittsburgh Steelers

Baltimore entered Week 11 riding high, but their momentum evaporated in yet another frustrating loss to the Steelers. The Ravens’ offense, one of the league’s most consistent units, struggled mightily, mustering just 329 yards and turning the ball over three times.

Lamar Jackson had an uncharacteristically shaky performance, completing just 16 of 33 passes for 207 yards with a touchdown and a costly fourth-quarter interception. The team’s rushing attack also struggled to gain traction, with Derrick Henry’s early fumble setting the tone for a mistake-filled afternoon.

Even the usually automatic Justin Tucker couldn’t escape the nightmare, missing two field goals that could have been the difference in the two-point loss. Penalties, poor execution, and questionable decisions plagued the Ravens, and their inability to win the AFC North’s physical battles remains a glaring concern.

Updated AFC playoff picture and standings after Week 11

With the Browns’ win over the Steelers to open Week 12, the Ravens’ grip on their playoff spot is anything but secure. The latest standings are as follows:

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

If the playoffs began today, Baltimore would travel to Pittsburgh to face a Steelers team that’s hard to judge. Their defense is dominant, but their offense has sputtered in back-to-back weeks.

The Ravens lie sixth in the standings, and Monday’s game against the Chargers carries massive implications for their Wild Card hopes. A loss would drop Baltimore further behind Los Angeles and potentially into a tie with Denver for the final spot.

Week 11 results and the impact around the AFC

Baltimore’s divisional rivals largely handled business last week, further complicating the Ravens’ path forward. The Browns blew out the Saints 35-14, and the Steelers ground out their win against Baltimore. Elsewhere:

  • The Kansas City Chiefs suffered their first loss of the season, falling to the Bills 30-21, which keeps Buffalo firmly in the hunt for the AFC’s top seed.
  • The Texans dominated the Cowboys in a 34-10 rout, showing they’re not to be overlooked in the Wild Card race.
  • The Chargers picked up a critical 34-27 win over the Bengals, a result that keeps them in control of the fifth seed.
  • The Broncos crushed the Falcons 38-6, staying right on Baltimore’s heels for the final playoff spot.

What’s next for the Ravens?

Baltimore’s Week 12 matchup against the Chargers is as close to a must-win as it gets. With playoff implications and seeding on the line, the Ravens need to bounce back quickly to stay in control of their destiny.

Lamar Jackson must shake off his Week 11 struggles and return to his MVP-caliber form, while the defense will need to tighten up against Justin Herbert and a high-powered Los Angeles offense.

For the Ravens, it’s clear: every game from here on out is essentially a playoff game. A win against the Chargers could provide the spark they need, but another loss could send them spiraling out of contention in a crowded AFC field.

Let’s see if this team can rise to the occasion. Flock, it’s time to find out what this Ravens squad is really made of.

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