Post-Season Hopes Cling On for the Baltimore Ravens

With just four games left in the 2024 NFL regular season, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a precarious position: their post-season hopes are still alive, but they hang by a thread, dependent on wins, divisional outcomes, and a bit of luck. After a promising 5-1 start, the Ravens have stumbled through a 4-3 mid-season stretch, allowing the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers to close the gap in the AFC North. Now, sitting at 9-4, the Ravens hold a narrow one-game lead in the division, but a single loss could push them into a wild-card battle—or worse, eliminate their playoff chances entirely. Post-Season Hopes Cling On for the Baltimore Ravens explores the Ravens’ current playoff picture, the make-or-break remaining schedule, key player health that will shape their fate, offensive and defensive adjustments needed, and how team morale is fueling their late-season push.

Post-Season Hopes Cling On for the Baltimore Ravens opens with the Ravens’ current playoff standing and the stakes of each remaining game. As of Week 15, the Ravens are the AFC North leader, but they’re also in a three-way tie with the Bengals and Steelers for the top two wild-card spots—meaning any slip-up could cost them both the division title and a direct path to the playoffs. The NFL’s playoff seeding rules favor division winners, so clinching the AFC North remains the Ravens’ top priority: a division title would guarantee them at least a No. 3 seed and a home playoff game, while a wild-card spot could force them to play on the road against tough opponents like the Buffalo Bills or Kansas City Chiefs. According to NFL.com’s playoff predictor, the Ravens currently have a 78% chance of making the playoffs—but that number drops to 45% if they lose two of their remaining four games. “We know what’s on the line,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said in a press conference. “Every game from here on out is a playoff game. We have to treat it that way.”

Post-Season Hopes Cling On for the Baltimore Ravens delves into the Ravens’ remaining schedule—a gauntlet of divisional rivals and playoff contenders that will test their resilience. The most critical matchups are their two remaining AFC North games: a Week 16 road game against the Bengals and a Week 17 home game against the Steelers. Both teams have already beaten the Ravens once this season, and winning both rematches would all but clinch the division. The Ravens also face the Cleveland Browns in Week 15 (a team that upset the Steelers earlier this season) and the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 18 (a wildcard hopeful fighting for their own playoff lives). The schedule’s difficulty is amplified by the fact that three of the four games are away from M&T Bank Stadium—where the Ravens are 7-1 this season, compared to 2-3 on the road. “Road games in December are tough, especially against teams with playoff hopes,” said Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. “But we’ve proven we can win anywhere when we play our best football.”

Post-Season Hopes Cling On for the Baltimore Ravens covers the key player health updates that will directly impact the team’s playoff push. The Ravens have already dealt with injuries to running back Gus Edwards (ankle sprain) and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (knee sprain), but both are expected to return for the Bengals game. More concerning is the status of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who suffered a minor hamstring strain in Week 14 and is listed as questionable for Week 15. Beckham, who has 65 catches for 800 yards this season, is Jackson’s top deep threat—and his absence could limit the Ravens’ passing attack against the Browns’ stingy secondary. The Ravens are also monitoring Jackson’s ankle, which he injured in Week 12 but has played through. “We’re managing injuries carefully,” Ravens team physician Dr. Leigh Ann Curl said. “Our goal is to have our key players healthy for the stretch run, but we won’t rush anyone back and risk making injuries worse.” For the Baltimore Ravens, keeping their star players healthy isn’t just a medical priority—it’s a strategic one. A fully healthy roster gives them the best chance to win their remaining games and secure a playoff spot.

Another layer of Post-Season Hopes Cling On for the Baltimore Ravens is the offensive and defensive adjustments the team needs to make to turn their season around. On offense, the Ravens must fix their red-zone inefficiency: their touchdown rate has dropped from 68% in the first half of the season to 52% in recent weeks, a problem that has cost them wins against the Bengals and Steelers. Offensive coordinator Todd Monken has hinted at a more balanced run-pass split, leaning on running backs Keaton Mitchell and Rasheen Ali to set up play-action passes—something that worked earlier in the season. Defensively, the Ravens need to shore up their run defense, which has allowed 145+ yards in three of the last four games. Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has announced plans to use more two-deep safety looks to limit opposing running backs’ cutback lanes, a scheme that worked well against the Rams in Week 13. “Adjustments are part of football,” Harbaugh said. “We’ve identified our weaknesses, and we’re working to fix them. That’s what good teams do.” For the Baltimore Ravens, these adjustments could be the difference between making the playoffs and watching from home.

Post-Season Hopes Cling On for the Baltimore Ravens closes with the role of team morale and fan support in fueling the Ravens’ late-season push. Despite their recent struggles, the Ravens’ locker room remains unified, with veterans like Madubuike and Jackson leading team meetings to reinforce focus and accountability. “We’re not pointing fingers,” Madubuike said. “We’re in this together. We win together, and we lose together—and right now, we’re focused on winning the next four games.” Fan support has also been a driving force: M&T Bank Stadium is sold out for the Steelers game, and Ravens fans have traveled in large numbers to road games, creating a “home away from home” atmosphere. The Ravens’ front office has leaned into this support, launching a “Playoff Push” campaign with fan events and pep rallies to keep energy high. “Our fans are the best in the NFL,” Jackson said. “They keep us going when things get tough. We don’t want to let them down.” For the Baltimore Ravens, post-season hopes aren’t just about wins and losses—they’re about honoring the team’s legacy of competitiveness and giving their fans something to cheer for in January. As the regular season winds down, one thing is clear: the Ravens are fighting for every yard, every play, and every chance to keep their playoff dreams alive.