Seven Ways the Ravens Can Still Win the AFC North

Baltimore Ravens
08 Dec 2025, 21:19 GMT+10

Ryan Mink

The Ravens didn't take sole position in the AFC North Sunday, but they still control their playoff destiny.

Following the Steelers' 27-22 win at M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore (6-7) trails Pittsburgh (7-6) by one game with four games remaining in the regular season.

Following the loss, the Ravens' playoff odds took a hit. Baltimore's chances of reaching the postseason dropped from 60.9% to 28.9%, and the Steelers' chances increased from 32.5% to 68.6%,according to ESPN.

"Four games left. The season is not over," Head Coach John Harbaugh said in his opening remarks Sunday evening. "Fighting for the AFC North for the next four games; that's where we stand."

Here's how the Ravens, who started the season 1-5, can pull off another comeback:

1. Win out and the Ravens are champs.

The Ravens went on a five-game winning streak midway through the season. They would need a four-game winning streak to punch their playoff ticket.

The competition will be more challenging this time around, however.

The Bengals and Steelers already beat the Ravens in their own stadium. The Ravens would need to return the favor with a couple of road wins over their rivals. The last time the Ravens did that was in 2019.

The Patriots (11-2) are tied for the best record in the AFC. The Packers (9-3-1) have the second-best record in the NFC.

2. Win three of four, including against the division rivals, and get help.

If the Ravens win both of their divisional road games remaining in Cincinnati and Pittsburgh, they have some wiggle room.

The Ravens could then need to win one game against Green Bay or New England to get to 9-8.

Baltimore would then hope the Steelers lose one of their three other remaining games against the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, or Cleveland Browns.

3. Beat the division rivals and get a lot of help.

The Ravens can get in at 8-9.

If the Ravens beat the Bengals and Steelers but lose both games against the Packers and Patriots, the Steelers would need to lose two of those other three games.

The Dolphins have won four straight following their loss to the Ravens and could be a spoiler down the stretch. The Lions are coming off an impressive 44-30 win over the Dallas Cowboys.

4. Win the final three and Steelers melt down.

The Ravens' next game in Cincinnati will feel like a must-win game, but it technically won't be.

If the Ravens lose to the Bengals, Baltimore would (most likely) need to win its final three games.

The Steelers would also need to lose in Cleveland or against both the Dolphins and Lions. Pittsburgh lost four in a row to end last season.

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5. Ravens could clinch before heading to Pittsburgh.

There is a way the Ravens can be AFC North champions without beating the Steelers at all this season.

The Ravens would need to win their next three games to get to 9-7. The Steelers would need to lose their next three, which would make them 7-9.

It's unlikely, but that would result in a meaningless Week 18 game.

6. Another way in at 8-9 with help on two fronts.

The Ravens could lose their next two games and still win the division.

If the Ravens lost to the Bengals, split against the Patriots and Packers, and win in Pittsburgh, they'll be 8-9.

In addition to losing to the Ravens in the season finale, the Steelers would need to drop two against Miami/Detroit/Cleveland.

The Ravens would also need the Bengals to lose one game between Miami/Arizona/Cleveland. The Bengals (4-9) are still not eliminated, though they can only reach a maximum of eight wins.