AFC Playoff Picture: Baltimore Ravens’ loss to the Steelers moves them out of division lead

The big news for the Baltimore Ravens is they no longer lead the AFC North after their second loss in as many weeks. The Pittsburgh Steelers are back in front. Even bigger, the Ravens are now completely out of the playoff picture and there is a very hard road to the AFC wild card. But the Ravens and Steelers play again in Week 18, and it’s likely the loser of that game will be heading to Cancun for an early break.

The New England Patriots are on a bye. The Denver Broncos play in the late window.

The Jacksonville Jaguars won to stick in third place and their lead grew because they beat the Indianapolis Colts. Indy’s bigger loss was Daniel Jones, who is out for the rest of the season.

The Buffalo Bills have moved atop the wild card picture with their Week 14 win over the Bengals. The Chargers play on Monday night and can pass the Bills for fifth. The Colts will hold on to seventh for now but if the Texans win Sunday night, Houston passes Indy.

Right now the Texans are on the outside looking in along with the Chiefs, which is why their SUnday night contest is so huge.

AFC standings during Week 14

The New England Patriots are on a bye in Week 14.

1. New England Patriots (11-2)
2. Denver Broncos (10-2)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars (9-4)
4. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
5. Buffalo Bills (9-4)
6. Los Angeles Chargers (8-4)
7. Indianapolis Colts (8-5)
8. Houston Texans (7-5)
9. Kansas City Chiefs (6-6, 3-4 AFC)
10. Baltimore Ravens (6-7, win over MIA)
11. Miami Dolphins (6-7, loss to BAL)
12. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
13. e-New York Jets (3-10)
14. e-Cleveland Browns (3-10)
15. e-Las Vegas Raiders (2-10)
16. e-Tennessee Titans (1-11)

The Tennessee Titans were eliminated from playoff contention as were the Las Vegas Raiders. The New York Jets joined them in Week 14. I think the Browns are also eliminated.

AFC North standings after Week 14

The Steelers are back on top with their Week 14 win over the Baltimore Ravens.

Cincy’s playoff hopes are hanging by a thread after their loss. They need a crazy run to win the division.

I think the Cleveland Browns were officially eliminated with their tenth loss and four division losses.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers (7-6)
2**. Baltimore Ravens (6-7)**
3. Cincinnati Bengals (4-9)
4. e- Cleveland Browns (6-10)