Ravens Clinch Playoff Spot for Third Consecutive Year
The Baltimore Ravens have secured a playoff position for the third consecutive year and the sixth time in the last seven seasons following a 34-17 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers. This win marks a significant achievement in their aspirations for the 2024 season as they aim for deeper playoff success.
In the current AFC playoff bracket, the Ravens are positioned as the fifth seed, trailing behind division leaders Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Houston Texans. The complete playoff standings are as follows: the Kansas City Chiefs lead the AFC West with a record of 14-1; the Buffalo Bills hold a record of 11-3, having clinched the AFC East; the Steelers are at 10-5, leading the AFC North and securing their playoff berth; and the Texans, with a 9-6 record, have clinched the AFC South. Baltimore stands at 10-5 and has also secured a playoff berth, with the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos both at 9-6 pursuing Wild Card standings.
The Ravens entered the season with high expectations, bolstered by the presence of reigning MVP Lamar Jackson and a formidable defense. Additionally, the acquisition of future Hall of Famer Derrick Henry during the offseason has significantly strengthened their backfield. This partnership has created challenges for opposing defenses, evident as Jackson continues to be in the MVP conversation after throwing his 37th touchdown pass of the season against the Steelers. Meanwhile, Henry has surpassed 1,000 rushing yards for the sixth time in the last seven seasons and has amassed 15 total touchdowns. Despite some early setbacks, including losses in their first two games, the Ravens demonstrated resilience with five consecutive wins, including critical victories against the Cincinnati Bengals and Buffalo Bills. As the postseason approaches, the focus will be on whether Baltimore can advance further, especially after their previous loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game last season.