The Baltimore Ravens kept their NFL Playoff hopes alive in emphatic fashion, defeating the Green Bay Packers 41–24 in a must-win Week 17 matchup. The convincing victory improved Baltimore to 8–8, but despite the dominant performance, the Ravens still do not control their own destiny heading into the final week of the regular season.
Here’s a complete breakdown of where the Ravens stand in the AFC playoff race and what must happen for them to reach the postseason.
Ravens Dominate Packers to Stay Alive
Baltimore did exactly what it needed to do against the Packers, delivering one of its most complete performances of the season.
- Final score: Ravens 41, Packers 24
- Baltimore’s offense clicked early and often
- The defense limited Green Bay’s comeback opportunities
The win officially kept Baltimore alive in the AFC North and playoff race—but help is still required.
Current AFC North Standings Snapshot
- Baltimore Ravens: 8–8
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 9–6
- Cleveland Browns: Key swing team in the division
Because of earlier losses, Baltimore now needs results from other games to break their way.
What the Ravens Need to Make the NFL Playoffs
The Ravens’ playoff path is simple—but extremely narrow.
1) Steelers Must Lose at Cleveland
Baltimore must hope the Pittsburgh Steelers lose at Cleveland this Sunday.
- Steelers win: Ravens are eliminated
- Steelers loss: Ravens remain alive entering Week 18
This makes the Steelers–Browns matchup the single most important non-Ravens game of the weekend for Baltimore.
2) Ravens Must Beat Steelers in Week 18
If Cleveland defeats Pittsburgh, the Ravens would then need to beat the Steelers in Pittsburgh on January 4.
- A Ravens win combined with a Steelers loss at Cleveland
- Would allow Baltimore to win the AFC North
- Ravens would enter the playoffs as division champions, not a wild card
Why Browns vs. Steelers Controls Baltimore’s Fate
The Cleveland Browns effectively control whether Baltimore’s season continues.
- A Browns win keeps the AFC North race alive
- A Steelers win immediately ends Baltimore’s playoff hopes
For Ravens fans, Sunday’s game in Cleveland is nearly as important as Baltimore’s own Week 18 matchup.
Final Outlook: Momentum, but No Margin for Error
The Ravens did their part with a statement 41–24 win over Green Bay, showing they are capable of playing playoff-level football.
Now, Baltimore must rely on:
- A Steelers loss at Cleveland
- A Ravens win at Pittsburgh in the season finale
If both occur, the Ravens could pull off one of the most dramatic late-season playoff pushes in the AFC.
Fail to get either—and the season ends.