Baltimore has a clear path to the third seed for the AFC in the playoffs, which would assure a couple of home games to start the 2025 postseason. They may have some work ahead, but they control that much with their Week 18 game against the Cleveland Browns. There are numerous outcomes based on this game, the first of Week 18. Will they win the AFC North and clinch the three seed, or will they fold to the Browns, leaving the door open for the Steelers?
The most likely outcome is they embarrass Cleveland in Baltimore this Saturday. Bodog had the Ravens as -17.0 point favorites, and they have a chance to cover that. Combine the fact that Baltimore is the only team playing with something on the line, with the fact their average scoring margin over the last three games is +38.6 when compared to Cleveland, this would be the most probable outcome.
Of course, nothing is guaranteed. Consider the fact the Browns have already defeated the Ravens this season. The Ravens have just one win in the AFC North this season above three points, with a mediocre 3-2 record. If Baltimore is upset, and the Steelers beat the Bengals later that day, the Ravens would lose their home-field advantage in the first rounds of the playoffs.
It’s safe to assume Baltimore has the better offense, averaging 30.2 ppg this season compared to the Browns 15.5 ppg. More surprisingly, the Ravens boast better defense, allowing 3.1 ppg fewer than Cleveland. If Baltimore can win this game, they would likely host the Chargers, with a 26.9% chance of it being the Steelers, per ESPN, heading into Week 18.
Howe Fresh
Watch Fresh Takes Sports Podcast Weekly Here | Read Stadium Rant Articles Here | The Real Fresh Channel X Here
If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our newsletter here. Check out Stadium Rant Original shows on our Youtube channel and subscribe! Give our socials Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok a follow for more great content!
