As the 2024 NFL season enters its final stretch, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves on the brink of securing a playoff spot — but their path to the postseason has narrowed considerably. With only two possible playoff seeds now within their grasp, the Ravens must navigate the last few games of the regular season with precision, focus, and a bit of luck to keep their championship aspirations alive.
For a team that has been a perennial contender in recent years, the narrowing of their playoff possibilities marks both a challenge and an opportunity. Baltimore, which has boasted a high-powered offense, a dynamic defense, and the leadership of quarterback Lamar Jackson, now faces a situation where every game carries significant weight. Their fate in the postseason race largely hinges on how they perform in their remaining matchups, but it’s also influenced by the results of other key teams in the AFC.
Let’s take a closer look at how the Ravens ended up in this scenario, what these final two playoff seed possibilities mean, and what Baltimore needs to do to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.
### The State of the Ravens: A Season of Highs and Lows
Baltimore’s 2024 campaign has been one of promise, but it hasn’t come without its ups and downs. On one hand, Lamar Jackson has continued to evolve as a quarterback, improving his passing accuracy and his ability to lead the offense from the pocket. His connection with new wide receiver additions like Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. has sparked a more balanced and explosive offensive attack, one that’s capable of putting up points in a hurry.
The Ravens’ defense, anchored by players like Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, has been a consistent strength as well. Head coach John Harbaugh has long built his teams with an emphasis on tough, physical defense, and that tradition remains in full force this season. Baltimore’s defense has regularly made key stops in critical moments, including in games against division rivals like the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers.
But as is often the case in the NFL, the road to the playoffs is rarely smooth. The Ravens have had their share of struggles in 2024, particularly with injuries. At various points throughout the season, key players like running back J.K. Dobbins, tight end Mark Andrews, and even Lamar Jackson have dealt with setbacks that have forced the team to adapt. The inconsistency on special teams and a few costly turnovers have also contributed to losses that have kept the Ravens from fully locking up a top seed.
Despite these challenges, Baltimore remains in the playoff hunt. However, with just a few games left in the regular season, the Ravens are down to two possible playoff seeds: the AFC North division title or a wild card berth.
### The Two Possible Playoff Seeds
The Ravens’ playoff scenario has become clearer as the season progresses. As of now, they find themselves battling for one of two positions: **the AFC North title** or **a wild card spot**.
1. **AFC North Title**: Winning the division would provide the Ravens with an automatic playoff berth and, depending on how other teams perform, could give them a favorable seed in the postseason. The AFC North has been one of the toughest divisions in the NFL in recent years, and 2024 is no exception. The Bengals and Steelers are also fighting for divisional supremacy, and Baltimore’s remaining schedule will include key matchups against these rivals. The Ravens’ fate in securing the AFC North title hinges on both their performance and how the Bengals and Steelers finish out their schedules.
2. **Wild Card Berth**: If the Ravens are unable to win the AFC North, they can still secure a spot in the playoffs via a wild card. While this would guarantee a postseason berth, it would also likely place them in a tougher situation, playing on the road in the opening round. However, the Ravens have shown that they are capable of competing with some of the best teams in the league, so while a wild card spot isn’t ideal, it is far from being a death sentence.
### What’s at Stake?
For Baltimore, securing the AFC North title is the preferred route. It not only guarantees a home playoff game but could also provide the team with some much-needed momentum heading into the postseason. Playing at M&T Bank Stadium, where the Ravens have historically performed well, would be a significant advantage in a playoff run. Additionally, as the division winner, Baltimore would avoid having to face the top seeds in the first round, which can be an unforgiving proposition in the loaded AFC.
The wild card route, while still a viable option, presents a series of challenges. As a wild card team, Baltimore would likely have to face an opponent like the Kansas City Chiefs, Miami Dolphins, or Buffalo Bills — teams that are all highly capable of making deep playoff runs themselves. Though the Ravens have the talent to compete with these teams, playing on the road against such potent offenses could be a daunting task.
No matter the path, the Ravens will need to stay healthy and continue to execute at a high level. This means keeping Lamar Jackson upright and ensuring the offensive line protects him from opposing pass rushers. It also means getting key players like Mark Andrews and J.K. Dobbins fully involved in the offense, while the defense continues to capitalize on turnovers and put pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
### The Remaining Schedule: A Test of Character
Looking ahead, the Ravens’ remaining schedule is both challenging and full of potential for securing a playoff spot. They will face the Bengals and Steelers in crucial divisional matchups, where a loss could be disastrous to their playoff hopes. These games will not only affect their division standing but could also have tiebreaker implications if the Ravens are battling for a wild card spot.
The Ravens’ ability to win these games will likely come down to their execution in key areas. Against divisional foes like the Bengals, it’s imperative that Baltimore’s defense rises to the occasion, stopping star quarterback Joe Burrow and keeping the offense in check. Similarly, a game against the Steelers could turn into a gritty, physical battle, and Baltimore will need to rely on its defense to contain Pittsburgh’s dynamic playmakers like T.J. Watt.
Aside from these divisional games, Baltimore will also face a few non-division opponents who will be fighting for their playoff lives, which means the Ravens cannot afford to take their foot off the gas. Their ability to manage the clock, control possession, and minimize mistakes will be paramount in these matchups.
### The Road Ahead: Super Bowl Dreams
While the Ravens’ playoff seeding remains uncertain, one thing is clear: Baltimore has the talent to make a Super Bowl run. Whether they secure the AFC North title or battle their way into the playoffs via a wild card, the Ravens’ combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess makes them a dangerous team.
For Lamar Jackson, this could be the year he finally leads his team to the big game and silences critics who question whether he can win a championship. With a solid supporting cast and a coaching staff that knows how to win big games, the Ravens’ Super Bowl hopes remain very much alive.
In the end, Baltimore’s journey to a title will be defined by how they navigate these final two playoff seeds. They’ll need to stay healthy, remain focused, and execute under pressure — no easy task in the unpredictable world of the NFL. But if there’s one thing the Ravens have shown this season, it’s that they are never out of the fight. And as long as they’re in the mix, they’re a team that can make a serious run at the ultimate prize.