The Baltimore Ravens' path to the AFC North title in 2025 hinges on winning their remaining games, especially the crucial road matchups against the
Cincinnati Bengals (Week 15) and the
Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 18), controlling their destiny by winning out, or getting help from other teams if they drop a game. Their best and simplest route involves winning all four remaining games: @CIN, vs. NE, @GB, @PIT, but they can still clinch with 3-1 or even 2-2 records if they beat their divisional rivals and the Steelers falter in their other games.
Key Scenarios for the Ravens:
- Win Out (4-0): This guarantees the division title, as they would finish with a strong record, likely ahead of the Steelers.
- Win 3 of 4: If they beat both the Bengals and Steelers, they have room to lose one of the non-divisional games (Patriots or Packers) and still win the division if Pittsburgh loses another game.
- Win 2 of 4 (Against Rivals): Beating Cincinnati and Pittsburgh gives them a strong chance, requiring Pittsburgh to lose two of their other three games (Dolphins, Lions, Browns).
Crucial Factors:
- Divisional Games: The road games against the Bengals and Steelers are paramount; winning both gives them significant control and a head-to-head tiebreaker advantage over Pittsburgh.
- Tiebreakers: Head-to-head is the first tiebreaker, making those divisional matchups critical to overcome the Steelers.
- Lamar Jackson's Performance: His playmaking ability is key to the offense moving the ball and scoring in these high-stakes games.
- Offense/Defense Balance: The offense needs to be efficient, especially in the red zone, while the defense needs to limit big plays against opponents like the Patriots and Packers.
Essentially, the Ravens must focus on winning their divisional road games and hope their rivals slip up in their final stretch to secure their third consecutive AFC North crown.