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Who will Ravens play in NFL playoffs? Scenarios, potential wild card matchups

nick brinkerhoff, usa today
·4 min read

The Ravens are authoring quite the story in 2024.

From Isaiah Likely's toe being on the line in Week 1 to losing to the Raiders and other bumps along the way, Baltimore still somehow ended up on solid ground. They are in pole position to win the AFC North in Week 18 and now have their sights set on a long playoff run.

First, they'll have to overcome some recent playoff struggles. Baltimore is just 2-5 in the postseason with Lamar Jackson, a blemish on the two-time MVP's resume. Regardless, the Ravens have turned it up a notch in the latter half of the season.

As they get ready to spread their wings and fly into the postseason, it remains unclear just who awaits them in the wild card round. Here's a look at who the Ravens could face to start their playoff journey.

Who will the Ravens play in playoffs?

The Ravens' position in the bracket hasn't been solidified heading into Week 18, meaning there are a few possible outcomes for their playoff opponents. Here is who they could match up against:

Ravens playoff scenarios

Here are the scenarios that would lead to each first-round matchup:

Los Angeles Chargers

Perhaps the likeliest team out of the three, a rematch for the Harbaugh brothers would be must-see TV in the opening round of the playoffs. The Ravens would clinch the third seed with a win over the Browns in Week 18, setting up a No. 3 vs. No. 6 seeded matchup. If the Steelers are also victorious, L.A. will slot in at No. 6. If Pittsburgh and L.A. lose, the Chargers will also find themselves Baltimore-bound.

Pittsburgh Steelers

Another fascinating possible matchup, the Ravens could find themselves facing off their bitter rivals for the third time this season. The teams split the games this season, with each side winning at home. This game would take place in Baltimore and could only happen if the following things happened:

  • Steelers loss (vs. CIN) AND Chargers win (at LV)

Houston Texans

In what might be the most favorable scenario for the Ravens, they could return to Houston for a rematch of their Christmas Day beatdown. If the Ravens lose and the Steelers win in Week 18, Baltimore would be the No. 5 seed.

NFL PLAYOFFS: Odds for five teams contending in Week 18: Chances for Broncos, Bengals, more

NFL playoff schedule

The NFL playoffs kick off on Jan. 11 with the league's Super Wild Card Weekend before concluding on Feb. 9 with Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.

Super Wild Card weekend

All times Eastern

Saturday, Jan. 11

  • AFC/NFC wild card game: 4:30 p.m.

  • AFC/NFC wild card game: 8 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 12

  • AFC/NFC wild card game: 1 p.m.

  • AFC/NFC wild card game: 4:30 p.m.

  • AFC/NFC wild card game: 8:15 p.m.

Monday, Jan. 13

  • AFC/NFC wild card game: 8:15 p.m.

Divisional round

Saturday, Jan. 18

  • AFC/NFC divisional game: 4:30 p.m.

  • AFC/NFC division game: 8:15 p.m.

Sunday, Jan. 19

  • AFC/NFC divisional game: 3 p.m.

  • AFC/NFC divisional game: 6:30 p.m.

NFL conference championship round

Sunday, Jan. 26

  • NFC championship game: 3 p.m.

  • AFC championship game: 6:30 p.m.

Super Bowl 59

  • Date: Feb. 9, 2025

  • Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans)

  • Time: 6:30 p.m.

  • TV: FOX

NFL playoff picture Week 18

AFC

  1. Kansas City Chiefs (15-1, AFC West winners, No. 1 seed)*

  2. Buffalo Bills (13-3, AFC East winners)*

  3. Baltimore Ravens (11-5, AFC North leaders)*

  4. Houston Texans (9-7, AFC South winners)*

  5. Pittsburgh Steelers (10-6, wild card No. 1)*

  6. Los Angeles Chargers (10-6, wild card No. 2)*

  7. Denver Broncos (9-7, wild card No. 3)

In the hunt: Miami Dolphins (8-8), Cincinnati Bengals (8-8).

NFC

  1. Detroit Lions (14-2, NFC North leaders)*

  2. Philadelphia Eagles (13-3, NFC East winners)*

  3. Los Angeles Rams (10-6, NFC West winners)*

  4. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (9-7, NFC South leaders)

  5. Minnesota Vikings (14-2, wild card No. 1)*

  6. Washington Commanders (11-5, wild card No. 2)*

  7. Green Bay Packers (11-5, wild card No. 3)*

In the hunt: Atlanta Falcons (8-8)

An asterisk (*) denotes teams that have clinched a playoff spot. Teams that have clinched division titles are noted accordingly.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Who will Ravens play in playoffs? Breaking down wild card scenarios