Who the Ravens Could Face to Start the Playoffs

As the NFL regular season comes to a close, the Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for a potential postseason run, aiming to secure their place among the NFL’s elite teams. Heading into the final stretch of the season, the Ravens are focused not only on their performance but also on who they might face in the opening round of the playoffs.

This year, the playoff picture is as competitive as ever, with several AFC teams vying for position, including the Ravens. Baltimore’s potential opponents are determined by a combination of their seeding, the performance of other teams around the league, and how the final games unfold.

Let’s break down who the Ravens could potentially face to start the 2024 playoffs, taking into account the dynamics of the current playoff race.

1. Playoff Picture Overview

As of Week 17, the AFC playoff picture is crowded, and several teams are in contention for the top spots. While the Ravens have a solid chance of securing one of the coveted playoff berths, their exact seeding is still to be determined. The Ravens can finish anywhere from the #1 seed to a wild card berth depending on how the last week of the regular season plays out.

The top seeds in the AFC are crucial because they determine who gets a bye week (only the top seed) and who plays in the opening round. The Ravens are in the mix for one of these top seeds, but with teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, and others all jockeying for position, the final seeding can change drastically.

2. Ravens’ Potential Seeding Scenarios

To understand who the Ravens could face in the playoffs, it’s important to first understand their potential seeding scenarios. The Ravens can fall into one of the following categories:

Top Seed (AFC’s #1)

If the Ravens win their final game and certain results fall in their favor, they could secure the #1 seed in the AFC, earning a first-round bye. This would be a massive advantage, as the team would be able to rest key players while awaiting the winner of the wild card round. However, this scenario hinges on other teams’ performances, such as the Chiefs, Bills, and Dolphins, who also have a shot at the top seed.

Second Seed (AFC’s #2)

The second seed is also significant, as it guarantees a home playoff game in the opening round. However, unlike the top seed, it doesn’t come with a bye. In this case, the Ravens would play one of the lowest-seeded wild card teams in the opening round.

Third Seed (AFC’s #3)

If the Ravens end up with the third seed, they’ll still host a playoff game in the first round, but the team they face will likely be a highly competitive wild card opponent. The third seed is not as advantageous as the top two seeds, but it still provides a home-field advantage.

Wild Card Team (AFC’s #4 to #7)

In the case that the Ravens fall outside the top three seeds, they would be slotted into the wild card tier. This means the Ravens will have to play on the road, against the highest seed in their conference bracket. Wild card teams can be dangerous because of their unpredictability—any lower-seeded team could make a deep run depending on how the matchups unfold.

3. Possible Wild Card Opponents

If the Ravens end up in the wild card round, the team could face a number of different teams based on the final standings. Let’s look at the potential first-round matchups.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are an explosive team that relies heavily on their high-powered offense. Quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has shown the ability to lead a dynamic attack, featuring playmakers like Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. Miami’s offense can put up big numbers, but their defense has been inconsistent at times. The Dolphins’ record against teams with winning records is an important metric, as they tend to struggle when facing top-tier teams, which could make them a vulnerable opponent for the Ravens. Miami would also face a tough challenge going to Baltimore, where the Ravens’ defense, led by linebacker Roquan Smith and a tough front seven, could give Miami’s offense fits.

Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are perennial Super Bowl contenders and one of the most dangerous teams in the NFL. Despite some offensive struggles during the season, Mahomes’ ability to elevate his play in clutch moments makes Kansas City a dangerous opponent. The Ravens’ defense would have to be at its absolute best to limit Mahomes’ impact. A matchup against the Chiefs would be a high-stakes game with major playoff implications. Baltimore’s physical style could be a factor, but it would take a perfect game to overcome Kansas City’s experience and playmaking ability, particularly Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce.

Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills, with quarterback Josh Allen, have been one of the most dominant teams in the AFC in recent years. Despite a few ups and downs, Buffalo remains a formidable playoff contender. Their offense is high-octane, and Allen’s ability to make plays with both his arm and legs makes him one of the league’s most dangerous quarterbacks. The Ravens would need to neutralize Buffalo’s weapons, including Stefon Diggs and Allen himself, while taking advantage of Buffalo’s struggles against the run. A matchup between Baltimore’s defense and Buffalo’s offense would be one of the most intriguing in the first round.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jacksonville Jaguars have emerged as one of the most promising teams in the AFC. Led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, the Jaguars have found a balance between offense and defense. Their playmakers on both sides of the ball, such as running back Travis Etienne and defensive players like Josh Allen, make Jacksonville a tough opponent. While the Jaguars may not have the same playoff pedigree as some other teams in the AFC, their ability to perform under pressure is improving, and they could pose a significant challenge for the Ravens if the two meet in the first round.

4. Ravens’ Potential Strategy for Wild Card Opponents

Against any of these potential wild card opponents, the Ravens will need to lean into their strengths to secure a victory.

• Defense First: The Ravens have one of the most stifling defenses in the league. With Roquan Smith leading the charge, Baltimore has excelled in shutting down the run and pressuring the quarterback. Against a high-powered offense like Miami or Kansas City, the Ravens’ defense will need to get pressure on the quarterback, force turnovers, and keep the scoring to a minimum.
• Ground Game: Baltimore’s offense has found success this season by focusing on the run game, with quarterback Lamar Jackson as a dual-threat. A strong running game helps control the clock and limit the opportunities for opposing offenses. If they can establish the ground attack, the Ravens could wear down the defense and limit the damage from explosive offenses like those of the Dolphins or Chiefs.
• Lamar Jackson’s Playmaking Ability: When healthy, Lamar Jackson is one of the most dangerous quarterbacks in the NFL. His ability to extend plays and make throws on the move will be crucial against any of these teams. The Ravens will need to balance his dual-threat capabilities with effective passing to complement the running game.