Playoff Positioning Strategies for the Baltimore Ravens

With the 2025 NFL regular season entering its final weeks, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a familiar yet high-stakes spot: battling for not just a playoff berth, but favorable seeding that could determine their path to the Super Bowl. In the stacked AFC, where a single win or loss can shift a team from a top seed to a wild-card underdog, strategic decisions—from how they approach the remaining schedule to how they manage player health—will be critical. Playoff Positioning Strategies for the Baltimore Ravens breaks down the key tactics the team must employ to climb the AFC standings, avoid early-round road games, and set themselves up for a deep postseason run. For Ravens Nation, these strategies aren’t just about winning games—they’re about smart, intentional choices that turn regular-season success into playoff glory.

Playoff Positioning Strategies for the Baltimore Ravens begins with the most immediate task: maximizing results in the remaining regular-season games, starting with their Week 16 matchup against the lowly Arizona Cardinals (4-9). To secure a top-four seed (and a first-round bye), the Ravens need to win at least two of their final three games, which also include a road test against the New England Patriots (5-8) and a divisional showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5). The Cardinals, with one of the league’s worst run defenses (allowing 142 yards per game), present a prime opportunity for the Ravens to lean on their strength—the running game. By feeding Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell early and often, the Ravens can control the clock, limit turnovers, and ensure a comfortable win without overtaxing Lamar Jackson or the starting defense. “We need to treat every remaining game like a playoff game, but we also need to be smart about how we use our guys,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “Beating the Cardinals isn’t just about getting a win—it’s about building momentum while keeping our key players fresh for the Steelers game, which could decide the AFC North.” This strategic focus on “controllable wins” will lay the groundwork for better seeding, as losses to lesser teams would likely force the Ravens into a wild-card spot and a potential early-round matchup with a top-tier opponent like the Kansas City Chiefs.

A second critical strategy for the Ravens is targeting divisional wins to secure the AFC North title—a goal that would guarantee them at least a No. 3 seed and home-field advantage in the first round of the playoffs. Their Week 17 showdown with the Steelers is the linchpin of this strategy; a win would not only give the Ravens the division but also likely push them ahead of teams like the Buffalo Bills and Indianapolis Colts in the AFC standings. To beat the Steelers, the Ravens must exploit Pittsburgh’s weaknesses: a pass defense that ranks 22nd in the league (allowing 245 passing yards per game) and a run defense that has struggled against physical backs like Henry (who rushed for 118 yards against them earlier this season). The Ravens’ coaching staff has likely spent weeks preparing for this matchup, focusing on plays that target Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson—who has struggled with speed receivers—and using play-action to draw Pittsburgh’s linebackers out of position. “Divisional games are different—they’re more physical, more emotional, and the stakes are higher,” Jackson said. “We know the Steelers’ tendencies, they know ours, so it’s going to come down to execution and who wants it more.” Playoff Positioning Strategies for the Baltimore Ravens notes that winning the AFC North isn’t just about seeding; it’s about psychological momentum. A divisional title would give the Ravens confidence heading into the playoffs, while also denying the Steelers a playoff spot—a double win that could weaken the AFC’s overall competition.

Playoff Positioning Strategies for the Baltimore Ravens also emphasizes the importance of managing player health in the final weeks, a strategy that often separates playoff contenders from pretenders. The Ravens have already dealt with injuries to key players this season—including Zay Flowers’ ankle sprain and Marlon Humphrey’s hamstring issue—and can’t afford to lose more starters before the playoffs. For the Cardinals and Patriots games, this means limiting snap counts for players like Jackson (who has a minor knee tweak) and defensive end Odafe Oweh (who has been dealing with a shoulder injury), and giving meaningful reps to backups like backup quarterback Tyler Huntley and defensive tackle Travis Jones. “We have depth for a reason—now is the time to use it,” Harbaugh said. “If we can get Huntley some reps against the Cardinals, it not only keeps Lamar fresh but also prepares Tyler in case he’s needed in the playoffs. That’s smart football.” This strategy isn’t about “resting” players entirely; it’s about strategic load management. For example, Jackson might start against the Cardinals but come out after the first or second quarter if the Ravens build a large lead, while the starting defense might play only in the first half. For the Baltimore Ravens, this balance between winning and resting is crucial—too much rest could lead to rust, but too little could result in a season-ending injury to a star player. By prioritizing health in low-stakes games, the Ravens ensure their best players are at full strength when it matters most: the playoffs.

A fourth strategy for the Ravens is scouting potential playoff opponents early and tailoring their practice routines to counter those teams’ strengths. With the AFC standings still fluid, the Ravens could face a variety of opponents in the first round—from the Colts (who rely on a balanced offense led by Anthony Richardson) to the Houston Texans (who have a dynamic rookie quarterback in C.J. Stroud) to the Bengals (who know the Ravens’ defense well from divisional matchups). To prepare, the Ravens’ coaching staff has likely assigned scouts to focus on each potential opponent, compiling film on their key players, offensive and defensive schemes, and late-game tendencies. In practice, the Ravens can simulate these opponents’ plays—having the scout team run the Colts’ zone-read offense or the Texans’ deep passing game—to help the starting unit adjust. “We can’t wait until the playoff bracket is set to start preparing,” defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said. “We need to know every potential opponent’s strengths and weaknesses now, so we can hit the ground running if we face them.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this proactive scouting gives them a competitive edge. For example, if they face the Colts, they’ll already have practiced ways to stop Richardson’s scrambling (using linebackers to contain him) and limit Indianapolis’ running back Jonathan Taylor (stacking the box). This level of preparation can mean the difference between a first-round win and an early exit, making it a key strategy for better playoff positioning.

Another often-overlooked strategy for the Ravens is leveraging special teams to secure wins and improve seeding. Special teams can be a difference-maker in close games, and the Ravens have a secret weapon in punter Jordan Stout—who ranks third in the league in net punting average (44.2 yards) and has pinned opponents inside their own 20-yard line 28 times this season. In close games against the Patriots and Steelers, Stout’s ability to flip the field could limit the opponent’s offensive opportunities and give the Ravens’ defense a shorter field to defend. The Ravens should also focus on their kickoff return unit, which has struggled at times this season (ranking 18th in kickoff return average). By working on returns with Keaton Mitchell—who has the speed to break long gains—the Ravens can create more scoring opportunities and shift momentum in their favor. “Special teams is the third phase of the game, and it’s just as important as offense and defense, especially in the playoffs,” special teams coordinator Chris Horton said. “A good punt, a blocked field goal, or a long kickoff return can change the outcome of a game—and that’s exactly what we need to secure better seeding.” For the Baltimore Ravens, improving special teams play isn’t just about winning games; it’s about creating a “complete team” that can win in multiple ways. If the offense is struggling, a strong special teams unit can keep the team in the game, while also forcing opponents into mistakes that the Ravens can capitalize on.

Playoff Positioning Strategies for the Baltimore Ravens concludes with the understanding that success in the NFL isn’t just about talent—it’s about strategy, preparation, and making the right decisions at the right time. By focusing on controllable wins, targeting divisional titles, managing player health, scouting opponents early, and leveraging special teams, the Ravens can climb the AFC standings and secure a playoff spot that gives them the best chance to win the Super Bowl. For Ravens Nation, these strategies are a source of hope. “We’ve seen this team play at an elite level, and we know they have what it takes to go all the way,” said longtime fan Emily Carter. “It just comes down to executing these strategies and staying focused.” As the Ravens head into the final weeks of the regular season, their goal is clear: not just to make the playoffs, but to make a statement. By following these positioning strategies, they can ensure that when the playoffs begin, they’re not just a participant—they’re a contender. In the end, Playoff Positioning Strategies for the Baltimore Ravens is a story about smart, intentional football—about playing not just for the moment, but for the ultimate prize. And with the right strategies in place, the Ravens have every chance to bring that prize back to Baltimore.