In Baltimore, the Ravens are set to face off against the struggling Cleveland Browns this weekend in what promises to be an exciting matchup. With a dominant performance after their Week 14 bye, Baltimore has won their last three games by an average of 22.3 points, including victories against playoff teams. This surge in gameplay puts the Ravens in a strong position as they look to secure the No. 3 seed in the AFC, which would guarantee them at least one home playoff game. On the other hand, Cleveland is battling for pride, currently tied for the league’s worst record. Although the Browns pulled off a surprising victory against the Ravens earlier in the season, they now find themselves in the midst of a quarterback dilemma and may start Bailey Zappe, which does not bode well for their chances.
In Cincinnati, the Bengals are also aiming to strengthen their postseason positioning as they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. Cincinnati’s road to the playoffs hinges on a win and favorable outcomes in other games, while Pittsburgh is fighting to secure the AFC North title. Both teams are poised to deliver a competitive game, especially with players like Joe Burrow and T.J. Watt making individual pushes for accolades.
Atlanta is under pressure as they must win against the Carolina Panthers and hope for a Tampa Bay loss to clinch their division. The Falcons have shown resilience and improvement in recent games, partially due to rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Meanwhile, the Panthers are looking to regain their ground but have struggled, particularly with their rushing game.
In a rematch with higher stakes, the Washington Commanders are set to clash with the Dallas Cowboys. With a playoff spot already secured, Washington can further solidify their position with a victory, while Dallas is looking to end the season strong despite their playoff hopes being dashed.
Green Bay enters their game against Chicago determined to maintain their perfect record against the Bears under Coach LaFleur, while the New England Patriots are up against the Buffalo Bills in a game that could hold implications for draft position rather than playoff seeding.
Finally, the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams are set to face off in a matchup where the Rams will likely rest key players now that their postseason fate is sealed. Seattle, riding a strong road record this season, looks to make a statement against their divisional rivals.
As playoff positioning heats up across the league, fans and teams alike are gearing up for an intense conclusion to the regular season.
