The NFL playoff picture gained more clarity in Week 16 as the Baltimore Ravens clinched a postseason berth and the Kansas City Chiefs moved to the brink of securing the AFC’s top seed. Two of the conference’s heavyweights flexed their muscles heading into the final stretch of the regular season.
Ravens Defeat Rivals, Punch Playoff Ticket
Lamar Jackson returned to his MVP form, tossing three touchdown passes as the Ravens defeated their arch-rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, 34-17 on Saturday. The victory improved Baltimore’s record to 10-5 and sealed their spot in the playoffs.
Jackson, who has battled injuries this season, looked sharp connecting with his top targets. His seven-yard scoring strike to tight end Mark Andrews in the third quarter put the Ravens ahead for good at 24-17. Running back Derrick Henry pounded out 162 rushing yards to balance the offensive attack.
I ask a lot from the guys around me. I feel like if I’m going to ask them to play through pain and nicks and bruises, I’ve got to do it as well.
– Lamar Jackson on battling through an ankle injury
The Ravens’ defense came up with a huge play late in the fourth quarter when cornerback Marlon Humphrey intercepted a Russell Wilson pass and returned it 37 yards for a touchdown. The pick-six provided the final margin and allowed Baltimore to split the season series with their division rivals.
Ravens-Steelers Rivalry Remains Fierce
With the win, the Ravens drew even with the Steelers atop the AFC North standings at 10-5. The intense rivalry produced another close game, but Jackson finally beat Pittsburgh for just the second time in six tries as a starter. The previous nine matchups were all decided by seven points or fewer.
- Jackson improves to 2-4 vs Steelers as starter
- Ravens snap 4-game losing streak to Steelers
Chiefs Close In On Top Seed
Meanwhile in Houston, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs pulled out a gritty 27-19 road win over the Texans to improve to 14-1 on the season. Kansas City can clinch the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed and home-field advantage throughout the postseason with a Buffalo Bills loss or tie on Sunday against the Patriots.
Despite nursing a high ankle sprain, Mahomes never seemed troubled by the injury. He completed 29-of-42 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns, including a key 8-yard score to rookie Isaiah Likely late in the third quarter to extend KC’s lead to 24-16.
He spoils the dog out of us, he’s so tough. You get used to it. But most guys don’t come back from that like he did.
– Chiefs coach Andy Reid on Mahomes playing through injury
The Chiefs’ defense sealed the victory, forcing the Texans into a quick three-and-out late in the fourth quarter to get the ball back to Mahomes and the offense to run out the clock. Mahomes scrambled for a key first down to ice the game.
Chiefs Chasing Postseason Byes
At 14-1, Kansas City controls its own destiny for the AFC’s top seed and the first-round bye and home-field advantage that comes with it. With just two games remaining, the Chiefs are in prime position to secure that coveted spot.
- Chiefs can clinch No. 1 seed with Bills loss/tie
- AFC West champions for 7th straight season
Playoff Picture Coming Into Focus
Heading into the penultimate weekend of the regular season, the NFL’s postseason bracket is taking shape. The Ravens joined the Chiefs, Bills and NFC-leading Eagles as the only teams to officially clinch playoff spots so far.
Several other teams can join them in Week 16 with either a win or some help. The Bengals, Chargers, Giants and Cowboys are all on the verge of punching their tickets as well. An exciting final two weeks await as clubs jockey for seeding and those final Wild Card berths.
With the Ravens back in the dance and the Chiefs eyeing the AFC’s top spot, two of the conference’s most dangerous squads served notice in Week 16 that they’ll be tough outs come playoff time. Their Super Bowl hopes burn brighter with each passing victory.
