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Updated NFL playoff picture after Ravens collapse against Browns in Week 8

The Ravens are still in the playoff picture, but hanging on by a thread.

By Matt Sidney

Baltimore Ravens v Cleveland Browns
Baltimore Ravens v Cleveland Browns / Nick Cammett/GettyImages
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The Baltimore Ravens’ Week 8 matchup against the Cleveland Browns ended in a brutal 29-24 loss, exposing familiar issues in Baltimore's secondary.

Despite solid performances from key players, Baltimore's defense struggled to contain Jameis Winston, who torched the Ravens for 334 passing yards and three touchdowns​.

Lamar Jackson had a strong showing, completing 23 of 38 passes for 289 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. His efforts were complemented by a steady ground game led by Derrick Henry, who rushed 11 times for 73 yards and a touchdown. Jackson chipped in with 46 rushing yards on eight carries​.

The Ravens’ secondary failed to slow down Winston’s passing attack, allowing big plays to Cedric Tillman, who posted 99 yards and two touchdowns, including a 38-yarder. Elijah Moore added 85 yards on eight receptions, while David Njoku had 61 yards and a touchdown. Baltimore's pass defense allowed a 115.3 passer rating, underscoring the need for improvements in the secondary​.

Where do the Ravens stand after their Week 8 loss to the Browns?

Updated AFC playoff picture and standings after Week 8

Here's where the AFC playoff seeding stands after the Ravens' inexplicable loss to Browns:

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (7-0)
  2. Houston Texans (6-2)
  3. Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2)
  4. Buffalo Bills (6-2)
  5. Denver Broncos (5-3)
  6. Baltimore Ravens (5-3)
  7. Los Angeles Chargers (4-3)

After losing their third game of the season, the Ravens move into the sixth spot in the AFC playoff picture. If the season were to end today, they'd play the Steelers in the Wild Card round.

Across the AFC, the Texans kept up their strong campaign by eking out a 23-20 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, solidifying their hold on the AFC South. The Chiefs continue their undefeated season with a 27-20 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. The Bills crushed the Seattle Seahawks 31-10. The Broncos beat the Carolina Panthers 28-14. The Chargers crushed the New Orleans Saints 26-8. Pittsburgh beat the New York Giants on MNF 26-18.

The AFC North remains unpredictable. The Cincinnati Bengals took their fifth loss, falling 37-17 to the Philadelphia Eagles, making their playoff hopes slim. Meanwhile, the Browns pulled off a 29-24 win over the Ravens, fueled by a strong outing from Jameis Winston. The Steelers claimed a victory that now puts them in sole possession of first place in the division​.

Seemingly, every playoff contender sealed a victory except the Ravens. The season is heading towards the halfway point, so the playoff race will only get clearer. The Nov. 5 trade deadline is right around the corner, so major shakeups could change the playoff landscape sooner than later.

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