The Baltimore Ravens‘ 2023 campaign could hardly have gone any better heading into Week 17. John Harbaugh’s club has the best record in the NFL (12-3) and has already clinched a playoff berth, while Lamar Jackson is the betting favorite to win MVP.
But the job isn’t done for Baltimore, as the AFC North and the AFC’s No. 1 seed are still up for grabs. Can the Ravens clinch either when they face the Miami Dolphins on Sunday? Let’s find out with the assistance of PFN’s NFL Playoff Predictor.
Baltimore Ravens Playoff Scenarios | Week 17 Update
Note that this article was originally published on Dec. 31 before Sunday’s game began. The results of this week’s games are below and will continue to be updated throughout the weekend.
After the Sunday 1 p.m. ET slate in Week 17, the Ravens have officially clinched the No. 1 seed in the AFC. Baltimore secured a first-round bye and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs by defeating the Dolphins on Sunday.
Thursday Night Football Update
Browns (11-5) defeated Jets (6-10)
Sunday 1 p.m. ET Update
Ravens (13-3) defeated Dolphins (11-5)
Be sure to check out our NFL Playoff Predictor to predict the rest of Week 17 and see how the playoff field shakes out.
Baltimore Ravens’ Playoff Scenarios Entering Week 17
Although the Ravens have yet to clinch the AFC North, Baltimore is on the precipice of winning its first division title since 2019.
Pro Football Network’s simulations give the Ravens a 95% chance of winning the AFC North heading into Week 16. Baltimore could secure the division crown as early as this week despite the Cleveland Browns defeating the New York Jets on Thursday night to improve to 11-5.
A win over the Dolphins on Sunday will give the Ravens a two-game lead over Cleveland with one week remaining in the regular season, mathematically eliminating the Browns from AFC North contention. A tie against Miami will also hand Baltimore the division crown.
Even if the Ravens don’t win in Week 17, they can clinch the AFC North in Week 18 by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers or if the Browns lose to the Cincinnati Bengals.
The Ravens can also clinch the AFC North if they tie with the 49ers, while Cleveland falls to Houston.
Is Baltimore the Favorite for the AFC’s No. 1 Seed?
The AFC North is almost in Baltimore’s hands, while the club is also on the precipice of securing the AFC’s No. 1 seed, a corresponding first-round bye, and home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.
PFN’s simulations have the Ravens as the favorite (66%) to earn the conference’s top playoff slot, but Sunday’s game against the Dolphins could determine which club finishes atop the AFC standings.
MORE: Baltimore Ravens Depth Chart
Miami enters Week 17 at 11-4, one game behind Baltimore. If the Ravens win on Sunday, they will open up a two-game lead with one week remaining, thereby clinching the No. 1 seed in the conference.
However, if the Dolphins win, they will have the same 12-4 record as Baltimore and own a head-to-head playoff tiebreaker. Miami would control its own destiny, needing only a win against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18 to secure the top seed.
But even if the Ravens lose to the Dolphins, they won’t be out of the race for the No. 1 seed. If Buffalo beats Miami while Baltimore takes down Pittsburgh in Week 18, the Ravens will be the top seed.
The only other team in contention for the No. 1 seed? The Browns, who would need to win out, the Ravens to lose out, and watch the Dolphins fall in Week 18 to grab the top postseason slot in the AFC.
Want to predict the rest of the 2023 season with our FREE NFL Playoff Predictor? Looking for the most up-to-date NFL standings? What about a breakdown of team depth charts or the NFL schedule? Pro Football Network has you covered with that and more!
