<
        >

          NFL Nation

          How the Ravens can make the playoffs

          • Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff WriterDec 21, 2014, 08:00 PM ET
            Close
              Jamison Hensley is a reporter covering the Baltimore Ravens for ESPN. Jamison joined ESPN in 2011, covering the AFC North before focusing exclusively on the Ravens beginning in 2013. Jamison won the National Sports Media Association Maryland Sportswriter of the Year award in 2018, and he authored a book titled: Flying High: Stories of the Baltimore Ravens. He was the Ravens beat writer for the Baltimore Sun from 2000-2011.
            Follow on X

          The Baltimore Ravens lost control of their playoff destiny in losing at Houston 25-13, and they now need the Cincinnati Bengals or San Diego Chargers to fold in order to reach the postseason.

          The Ravens were eliminated in the race for the AFC North title. By my estimation, there are only two ways the Ravens can get into the playoffs as a wild card, and both first require the Ravens to beat the Cleveland Browns in the regular-season finale at M&T Bank Stadium.

          Here are the scenarios:

          If the Bengals win Monday night, the Ravens would only get into the playoffs if they win and the Chargers lose.

          "We have a big week next week," wide receiver Steve Smith said. "Last game of the season. It’s make or break. It says everything. Honestly, we don’t have a choice to sit around and analyze [the loss in Houston] and woe is me and come up with excuses."

          The Ravens were eliminated from winning the AFC North title because the Pittsburgh Steelers won Sunday. Their only chance of reaching the playoffs is earning a wild-card spot.