The Ravens knew what they had to do to secure a postseason berth going into their Week 15 matchup with the Jaguars. Three games on Saturday made things easier for Baltimore. Win, and they gained entry.
One week later, and the formula remains the same for winning the AFC North title for the second season in a row and the seventh time in history.
If the Browns lose, draw, or lose and the Ravens tie, Baltimore can win the AFC North. This weekend, the Browns travel to the Texans, while the Ravens play the 49ers in Santa Clara.
The formula is straightforward, but the work at hand is not.
When facing the top-ranked rushing assault in the NFL, the 49ers, with their superior run defense, will square up against the Ravens. However, the loss of running back Keaton Mitchell to an ACL tear last week against the Jaguars hurt the No. 1 running game for the whole season.
Baltimore will rely on Justice Hill and Gus Edwards to continue the running game, and quarterback Lamar Jackson will also be involved. Melvin Gordon, who was added to the 53-man roster following Mitchell’s loss, will also be available against the Ravens.
Gordon helped Baltimore keep their ground-game lead during the preseason and looked good.
Should the Ravens defeat the Browns this weekend, securing the division title will take precedence over securing the top seed in the AFC and a first-round bye in the forthcoming postseason.
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