AFC North Implications (Pt. 2)

The other team fighting for their life in the AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens. But unlike their rivals in Pittsburgh, the Ravens find themselves in a little bit of a stronger position, despite being a game down to the Steelers in the playoff standings. They have won three of their last four games, and Lamar is playing at an MVP level. He is arguably unstoppable when he decides to be. Which has been basically every game as of late. And in all honesty, I like the Ravens chances at winning the division title over the Steelers. I’ll tell you why. I think the Ravens can win this game, but if they not that’s ok, because the Steelers odds to win against the Chiefs are not good. So, let’s say they both lose this week. Still tied heading into Week 18. The Ravens play the Browns, an almost guaranteed win, whereas the Steelers play a much tougher Bengals team. I like the Ravens a little more in that situation. And in a case where the Ravens win this week and the Steelers lose, I’d argue the division would be essentially wrapped up at that junction. The only sticky situation the Ravens can receive is if they lose this game and the Steeler win. A nice way to combat that would be winning this week’s game on Christmas. The Texans have also been struggling a little, losing two out of the last four. Plus, when they ‘ve won in those two other games, it’s been by one score or less. I’d be licking my chops if I was the Ravens, you may have a chance to close out the division a week before the season ends.

Conversely, the Texans are going to have something to say about that. Yes, they’ve had a little bit of a rough patch, but they’re still a dominant team. While they are in a slightly tight spot with the Colts, who just moved a game closer after beating the Titans, and play an awful Giants team this week. So, they’re going to win and move another game closer. And if the Texans lose, they’ll have a one game cushion for the division, making next week’s game a must win. That brings us back to this week, which with a Texans’ win, would essentially put the division out of reach. But again, like the Steelers, very tough opponent in Baltimore this week. Best offense in the league, versus the 3rdbest defense in the league. Buckle up, people are going to be flying around the field. Both teams are going to be wishing for a win this Christmas, but only one can come out with that prized gift, and I think Baltimore has been a little bit nicer than the Texans this year. Santa’s noted that, and like him, I like Baltimore here.

POSTGAME:

Lamar Jackson might win three MVPs. He is ridiculous. Not human. There aren’t enough words to describe how good he is. Not only did he break the QB rushing record in this game, which now stands at 6,110 yards, but he helped lead the Ravens in dismantling the Texans with three total TDs. They won 31-2. Lamar was 10/15 for 168 years and 2 TDs. Not a lot of passing this game, but when you account for his 87 yards on 4 carries for 1 TD as well, we start to see how Jackson’s consistent versatility leads to production. And 14th best defense or not, they just held Houston, a playoff team, to 2 points. Houston is in the playoffs because they won their weaker division, and the Colts lost to the Giants. But considering how competitive the AFC is, if Houston did not win this division, they would probably find themselves on the edge of the playoff bubble.