The Baltimore Ravens playoff scenarios for Week 18 are a little more complex than a glance at the NFL standings reveals on the surface. With the change in protocols following the cancelation of the game between the Buffalo Bills and Cincinnati Bengals, the Ravens still have a chance of hosting a Wild Card Weekend playoff game. Let’s examine the various playoff scenarios for the Ravens in Week 18.
Update: Ravens Lose, Settle Into Sixth Seed
The Ravens had an opportunity to win and depending on the result of the Chargers vs. Broncos game. It was a tough afternoon for Baltimore, however, dropping the game to the Bengals 16-27.
It’ll be a whole lot of the same next week as Baltimore and Cincinnati will face each other for the third-time next week.
Ravens Playoff Scenarios To Watch for in Week 18
When the Ravens take the field for the final week of the 2022 NFL schedule, they will have a few potential outcomes. Despite being unable to match the Bengals in the AFC North standings, the change in protocol has still made it possible for the Ravens to host a playoff game, even though they cannot be crowned AFC North champions.
Had the Bengals lost in Week 17 against the Bills, this Week 18 game with the Ravens would have been to decide the destination of the AFC North. However, the cancelation of the game has meant Baltimore cannot surpass Cincinnati in terms of winning percentage. Due to the frightening circumstances that led to the game being canceled, the NFL has adjusted the playoff protocol.
The new protocols state that if the Ravens defeat the Bengals, there is a path to Baltimore hosting a playoff game. Although, the only way that comes into play is if the Ravens and Bengals are scheduled to face each other in Wild Card Weekend. If that is the case, then a coin flip will determine which stadium the game is played in.
MORE: J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards Start/Sit Week 18
The strange element to that is that if the Ravens were to win and end up as the fifth seed, they would not have the chance to host a playoff game. That could put the Ravens in a strange position of rooting for the Los Angeles Chargers to win against the Denver Broncos if they want to host a playoff game. If the Ravens win and the Chargers lose, the Ravens would be the fifth seed, meaning they travel to face the winner of the AFC South.
It is somewhat of an interesting debate. Would you rather have the opportunity to host an 11-win division rival or go on the road against a nine-win team? The additional element to consider is that even if the Ravens won the coin toss and hosted the Bengals, they would still be considered the sixth seed. Therefore, unless the seventh seed prevailed in their Wild Card game, Baltimore would have to face a rested Kansas City in the Divisional Round.
If the Ravens wind up as the fifth seed, they have two teams below them that could prevent them from having to go into Kansas City to face the Chiefs. There is also an outside chance the Ravens could host a Divisional Weekend game if all three Wild Card teams win in the first round of the playoffs.