Who Should Ravens Fans Root for in Week 16?

As we enter Week 16 of the NFL season, Baltimore Ravens fans are undoubtedly keeping a close eye on the playoff picture. With a strong 2024 campaign, the Ravens are positioning themselves to potentially make a deep playoff run, but their success doesn’t solely depend on how they perform on the field. The Ravens’ postseason hopes are also impacted by the outcomes of games involving teams within their conference and division. For Ravens fans, rooting for certain teams in Week 16 could significantly shape Baltimore’s path to the playoffs and beyond. This week, the key matchups and teams to focus on are crucial, especially as the Ravens continue to vie for playoff positioning in the AFC.

The Ravens’ Current Situation

As of Week 16, the Ravens are in a solid position in the AFC playoff race. They are vying for the top spots, especially aiming for a first-round bye or a home playoff game. However, this will require some favorable outcomes from games involving other AFC contenders, particularly in the wild card and divisional races.

Baltimore is firmly in the hunt for the AFC North title. But the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers all have competitive records, which means the Ravens’ playoff chances will depend on more than just their own victories. Additionally, other AFC teams like the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Kansas City Chiefs are also in the hunt, and keeping an eye on their matchups will be important for the Ravens’ path forward.

Key Week 16 Matchups

Let’s take a look at some of the most important games for Ravens fans to pay attention to this week, and who they should root for in each matchup.

1. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Who to Root For: Cincinnati Bengals

The Bengals have been a formidable rival in the AFC North in recent years, but as of Week 16, they are no longer as dangerous as they have been in the past. Cincinnati’s playoff hopes are dwindling, and while they still remain mathematically in the race, the Bengals’ chances of securing a wild-card spot are slim. The Ravens would benefit from a Bengals win over the Steelers for two key reasons:

A Bengals Loss Helps the Ravens’ AFC North Lead: A Steelers victory would keep Pittsburgh in the hunt for the division title. Cincinnati defeating Pittsburgh helps solidify Baltimore’s standing in the AFC North without worrying about the Steelers.
Diminishing Pittsburgh’s Wild-Card Hopes: The Steelers are likely to be one of the primary contenders for the wild-card spots if they continue to stay competitive in the conference. A Bengals victory would make it harder for Pittsburgh to secure a playoff berth, indirectly improving the Ravens’ chances.

2. Miami Dolphins vs. Dallas Cowboys

Who to Root For: Dallas Cowboys

Miami is one of the top teams in the AFC, and they are a direct rival to the Ravens for playoff seeding. With the Dolphins battling for a high playoff seed, it would benefit the Ravens to have Miami drop a game, as this would push them further down in the standings.

Why should Ravens fans root for Dallas?

Conference Implications: A loss to Miami will not only make it harder for the Dolphins to secure a top seed but could also help the Ravens in terms of tiebreakers if both teams are vying for one of the top playoff positions in the AFC. Every AFC loss that Miami accrues could help Baltimore climb higher in the standings.
Dallas’ Strong Defense: The Cowboys have one of the most aggressive and powerful defenses in the NFL. If they can stifle the high-powered Miami offense, it could limit the Dolphins’ chances of competing for a top seed.

3. Buffalo Bills vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Who to Root For: Buffalo Bills

While the Chiefs remain one of the elite teams in the AFC, their performance this season has not been as dominant as in years past. The Bills, on the other hand, are on the edge of playoff contention. Buffalo has had its ups and downs this season, but a win over Kansas City could bolster their wild-card hopes, while also helping the Ravens in several ways:

A Chiefs Loss Helps the Ravens in Playoff Seeding: If the Ravens are aiming for a top seed, a Kansas City loss to Buffalo would reduce the Chiefs’ chances of maintaining their position at the top of the AFC. Baltimore could improve its own seeding in the conference if Kansas City slips further down the standings.
Buffalo’s Wild-Card Hopes: By rooting for Buffalo, Ravens fans would also help eliminate a potential wild-card rival for their team. Buffalo is fighting for a playoff spot, and if the Bills can secure a win, it would hinder Kansas City’s top playoff seeding, reducing the competition the Ravens will face in the postseason.

4. Cleveland Browns vs. New York Jets

Who to Root For: New York Jets

This game presents a less significant rivalry but is still important for the Ravens’ playoff hopes. The Browns, like the Bengals, are in the AFC North race and could challenge Baltimore for a division title or a wild-card spot. A Cleveland loss to the Jets would improve the Ravens’ positioning in multiple ways:

Division Control: A Browns loss would make it even easier for the Ravens to win the AFC North division, as it would create more distance between Baltimore and Cleveland in the standings.
Wild-Card Implications: A Browns loss also weakens their chances at a wild-card spot, further decreasing competition for a playoff berth from this team.
Tiebreaker Scenarios: If the Ravens end up tied with the Browns for a playoff spot, a Cleveland loss now gives Baltimore the advantage in any tiebreaker scenario that could arise at the end of the season.

5. Tennessee Titans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Who to Root For: Tennessee Titans

The Jaguars are a playoff contender and have been a solid team this season. However, Jacksonville has less of an impact on the Ravens’ division race directly. A Jaguars win would give them a strong position in the playoffs, but rooting for a Titans victory could have several indirect benefits for Baltimore:

A Jaguars Loss Helps the Ravens in the AFC South: While the Ravens are not directly competing with Jacksonville for the division title, their playoff seeding and tiebreakers could be influenced by the Jaguars’ performance. A Jaguars loss keeps them from gaining momentum in the race for one of the top playoff seeds, which may have implications later on.
Competition for Wild-Card Spots: The Titans’ playoff hopes are slim, but a win over Jacksonville would eliminate one of the more consistent teams in the AFC from competing for playoff spots, potentially opening up opportunities for the Ravens.