Update AFC playoff picture after Steelers loss puts Ravens in contention

Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up before playing against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

Christmas presents were pouring in for the Baltimore Ravens, now No. 3 and in control of the AFC North after Pittsburgh’s 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.

The Chiefs (15-1) secured the No. 1 overall seed and home-field advantage with the win, while the Steelers (10-6) dropped from No. 3 to 5th and would travel on to face the Texans Wild Card weekend if Baltimore wins.

Here’s an updated AFC playoff picture ahead of the Ravens at the Texans.

1. Kansas City Chiefs

November 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rolls out to pass during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images — November 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rolls out for a pass during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at GEHA Field in Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

November 4, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) rolls out for a pass during the second half against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at GEHA Field in Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

15-1 • 1st AFC West

The Chiefs end up at the Broncos, and both teams could rest their starters in Week 18 if Denver wins on Sunday.

2. Buffalo Bills 12-3 • 1. AFC East

Dec 8, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws against the Los Angeles Rams during the first half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Winning over Houston and Cleveland gives Baltimore the No. 3 seed and the AFC North.

4. Houston Texans 9-6 • 1. AFC South

Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (7) runs with the ball in the second quarter, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2024, in East Rutherford.

The winner of the AFC South is likely a No. 4 seed.

5. Pittsburgh Steelers 10-6 • 2. AFC North

Dec 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Kansas City Chiefs defensive end George Karlaftis (56) tackles Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Pittsburgh needs to lose one of its final two games to move Baltimore back to No. 3.

6. CHARGERS 9-6 • 2. AFC West

Dec 8, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) throws a pass during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory attribution: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

7. BRONCOS 9-6 • 3. AFC West

Dec 2, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) fights with the ball in front of offensive tackle Mike McGlinchey (69) in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory attribution: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images

This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Update the AFC playoff picture after Steelers loss puts Ravens in the winner’s bracket

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