There’s a chance. A solid chance, in fact.
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The Ravens left the bye week with the No. 2 seed in the AFC after numerous upsets help their case in the playoff race. Now, with five weeks remaining, the Ravens have a legitimate shot to host all playoff games in the AFC at M&T Bank Stadium. So, Ravens faithful, do you believe the Ravens will be the No. 1 seed after Week 18?
Why They Will Win The No. 1 Seed
The Ravens have the star power, the depth and the coaching staff to win. They’re a top-tier team in the harsh conference and have weathered the storm of 12 straight games and a brutal travel schedule. Now, they’re prepared to take care of business following their late-season bye week to handle the final five games on their schedule.
Right now, the Ravens sit with a 30% probability to earn the No. 1 seed, behind only the Miami Dolphins at 37%, according to The New York Times Playoff Predictor. If they win the head-to-heads against the Dolphins and Jacksonville, it’ll be a tough task to outright beat the Ravens in the win/loss column.
Why They Won’t Win the No. 1 Seed
Hardest remaining schedule in the NFL. Challenging opponents, including the Dolphins, Jaguars, 49ers and Steelers in Week 18, who are likely hunting for a playoff spot and have a horseshoe up their ass.
Even if the Ravens win their games against the Rams, Jaguars, Dolphins and Steelers, dropping only the 49ers game in Week 16, they hold only an 82% probability. Their schedule is brutal whilst the Dolphins, Jaguars and Chiefs have light work to close it out.