The AFC North landscape has shifted dramatically following an eventful Wednesday in the NFL. The Baltimore Ravens secured a decisive victory over the Houston Texans, winning 31-2, while the Kansas City Chiefs triumphed over the Pittsburgh Steelers with a score of 29-10. These outcomes have reshaped the playoff picture as we head into the final week of the regular season.
AFC North standings
| Position | Team | Record |
| 1. | Baltimore Ravens | 11-5 |
| 2. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 10-6 |
| 3. | Cincinnati Bengals | 7-8 |
| 4. | Cleveland Browns | 3-12 |
With this latest win, the Ravens have now claimed sole possession of first place in the AFC North. This is a significant turnaround, considering the Steelers had held that spot for the majority of the season. Baltimore’s victory means they only need to beat the Cleveland Browns in Week 18 to clinch the division title. But what does this mean for Pittsburgh?
While the Ravens are riding high, the Steelers are not out of contention just yet. They still hold the tiebreaker over Baltimore, keeping their hopes alive for the division crown. If Pittsburgh can defeat the Cincinnati Bengals next week and the Ravens stumble against the Browns, the Steelers will reclaim the division title. It’s a thrilling scenario that keeps fans on the edge of their seats!
AFC playoff picture
| Position | Team | Record |
| 1. | Kansas City Chiefs | 15-1 |
| 2. | Buffalo Bills | 12-3 |
| 3. | Baltimore Ravens | 11-5 |
| 4. | Houston Texans | 9-7 |
| 5. | Pittsburgh Steelers | 10-6 |
| 6. | Los Angeles Chargers | 9-6 |
| 7. | Denver Broncos | 9-6 |
The Ravens’ win and the Steelers’ loss have caused a shift in the AFC standings. Baltimore now occupies the No. 3 seed, while Pittsburgh has dropped to No. 5. This is crucial as it impacts their playoff positioning. The Chiefs’ victory against the Steelers has also secured them the top seed in the AFC, while the Texans remain firmly in the No. 4 spot.
But what about the other teams vying for playoff spots? The Cincinnati Bengals are still in the hunt for a wild-card position. They need to beat the Denver Broncos this Saturday to keep their playoff dreams alive. If they succeed, they’ll face the Steelers in Week 18 with a chance to earn a playoff spot. Meanwhile, the Cleveland Browns have been eliminated from playoff contention, leaving them to play spoiler in their final game against the Ravens.
Steelers remaining schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
| Jan. 5 | vs. Cincinnati Bengals | TBD |
Ravens remaining schedule
| Date | Opponent | Time |
| Jan. 5 | vs. Cleveland Browns | TBD |
As we look ahead to Week 18, the stakes couldn’t be higher for both the Ravens and the Steelers. The Ravens are in control of their destiny, needing just one more win to secure the division. On the other hand, the Steelers are looking to rally and reclaim their position at the top. Will Baltimore maintain their momentum, or will Pittsburgh rise to the occasion?
The excitement of the NFL playoffs is just around the corner, and every game counts. Fans are eagerly anticipating these matchups, knowing that each team is fighting for their playoff lives. The drama of the AFC North is palpable, and it’s clear that the final week of the regular season will be nothing short of thrilling!
