The Ravens are now 6-6, in second place and No. 10 in the AFC playoff picture after losing to the Bengals Thanksgiving. The AFC playoff picture has the Ravens in 10th place. Baltimore can still control their destiny, but they must win the division. The Wildcards will need some help to qualify, so Sunday’s games are crucial in terms of both record and tiebreakers. Here are the games you should watch (and cheer for):
The impact of the Ravens’ chances in playoffs is what matters most. Bills vs. Steelers represents the only matchup relevant to the race for divisional crown, whereas the three other games will be considered in the wildcard race.
Bills (7-8) vs. Steelers (5-5) Sunday, 4:25 pm ET:This game is tough and the Ravens are playing in the most important one. A Steelers defeat would be the most desirable outcome, as they are the likely winners of the AFC North. If you believe a wildcard spot is more likely to happen, then a Bills defeat would be the best outcome, even though Baltimore’s win means that Ravens must finish with a higher record. This would require you to support the Steelers which could be a bitter pill to swallow.
Texans (6-4) vs. Colts (7-3), Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET:This could be another difficult one for Ravens supporters who resented Colts leaving Baltimore. The playoff implications of the game are clear. Since the Texans also compete for a wildcard position, a Ravens loss will help them. They will have to win more matches to move up in the standings after their loss to the Texans.
Jaguars (7-8) vs. Titans (0-10), Sunday, 1:00 ET.Easy Peasy: The Jaguars are in the race for the wild card. A loss to the Titans would benefit the Ravens.
Raiders (2-4) vs. Chargers (7-8), Sunday, 4:25 pm ET:This game is tough and the Ravens are playing in the most crucial one. A Steelers defeat would be a good outcome for them as they are the most likely to qualify for the playoffs. If you believe a wild-card berth to be more likely, then a Bills defeat would be the best outcome. Though their win in Baltimore would mean the Ravens would have to.
Unfortunately, there are no exciting matchups in Week 13. Here are some games you may enjoy if you like slopfests:
Sunday, 1:00 pm ET, Saints (7-4), vs. Dolphins (6-4).
Jets (2-9), Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET. Jets (2-9), at 1:00 pm ET on Sunday
You have a few options if you’d like to watch a match that is likely to end in a score of lopsided. The 49ers are the only team with a line of 5.5 points.
49ers (8.5) vs. Browns (3.8), Sunday, 1:00 pm ET
Rams (92-2) vs. Panthers (66-6), Sunday, 1:00 pm ET
Cardinals (3-8) vs. Buccaneers (6-4), Sunday, 1:00 pm ET
Vikings (4-6) vs. Seahawks (7-3), Sunday, 4:05 pm ET
Broncos (9-2) vs. Commands (3-8), Sunday at 8:20 pm ET
Giants (2-4) vs. Patriots (102-2) on Monday, 8:15 pm ET