Ravens playoff picture: What Week 16 vs. Patriots means for AFC standings

The Baltimore Ravens no longer control their own destiny in the AFC North. They are going to need some help in order to make the postseason after their loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday night. That’s because the Pittsburgh Steelers won on Sunday, defeating the Detroit Lions.

The Ravens were already eliminated in the wild card race, so the path forward is bleak.

AFC North standings

The Pittsburgh Steelers won to move to 9-6, so the worst they can do is 9-8 on the year. With Baltimore’s eighth loss, the best they can do is 9-8. The Ravens would win the tiebreaker, but they need Pittsburgh to lose to the Browns in Week 17 and Baltimore needs to beat the Green Bay Packers.

1. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-6
2. Baltimore Ravens 7-8
3. Cincinnati Bengals 5-10
4. Cleveland Browns 3-12

Updated AFC playoff picture

1. Denver Broncos 12-3 (clinched playoff berth)
2. New England Patriots 12-3 (clinched playoff berth)
3. Jacksonville Jaguars 11-4
4. Pittsburgh Steelers 9-6
5. Los Angeles Chargers 11-4
6. Buffalo Bills 11-4
7. Houston Texans 10-5
8. Indianapolis Colts 8-6
9. Baltimore Ravens 7-8

Eliminated from AFC playoff contention

• Miami Dolphins
• Kansas City Chiefs
• Cincinnati Bengals
• New York Jets
• Cleveland Browns
• Tennessee Titans
• Las Vegas Raiders