Game update: With their 41-24 win on Saturday night, the Baltimore Ravens remain alive in the race for a playoff spot. Baltimore is now 8-8. With the Steelers losing to the Browns in Week 17, the Ravens at Steelers Week 18 matchup will determine the AFC North division winner, while the loser will be eliminated. The game is at Pittsbugh.
NFL playoff picture: What Ravens’ win over Packers means for AFC, NFC standings in Week 17
The Ravens face the Packers in Green Bay on Saturday. We break down what the game means for the NFL playoff picture in Week 17.
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Mark Schofield is a former college quarterback and attorney covering the NFL and F1.
The loss means the Packers are eliminated from NFC North contention, and the Chicago Bears have clinched the division. Green Bay is still in the playoffs, now locked in as the No. 7 seed.
On Saturday night two teams will clash at historic Lambeau Field.
One team has already clinched a playoff spot, and is looking to keep their slim hopes for a division title alive.
The other is hoping to avoid elimination.
Here is what is at stake when the Green Bay Packers host the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17.
Baltimore Ravens playoff picture
For the Baltimore Ravens, Week 17 is a chance to avoid elimination.
The Ravens enter the penultimate weekend of the season with a 7-8 record, two games behind the Pittsburgh Steelers in the race for the AFC North crown. With a 7-8 record, the Ravens have already been eliminated from the Wild Card race, and their only path to the playoffs is if they win the divsion.
But with a loss or a tie on Saturday night against the Packers, the Ravens are eliminated.
Even if Baltimore wins on Saturday night — a big question given the fact that Lamar Jackson is officially doubtful for the game with a back injury — they still face elimination on Sunday. If the Steelers win or tie against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday afternoon, the Ravens are eliminated.
Green Bay Packers playoff picture
The Packers clinched a playoff spot when the Detroit Lions lost to the Minnesota Vikings on Christmas Day.
Still, they have their eyes on a bigger prize.
Green Bay is still alive in the race for the NFC North. Right now, the Packers have a 9-5-1 record, while the Chicago Bears lead the division with an 11-4 record. Green Bay can still win the division if they win their final two games, and Chicago loses their final two games.
However, a loss to the Ravens would eliminate the Packers from the NFC North race, and clinch the division for the Bears. If the Packers tie against the Ravens, then the Bears just need a tie this weekend to clinch the division. Chicago also clinches the division with a win in Week 17.
Chicago plays the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday night.
The bigger question for the Packers? Who will be taking the snaps on Saturday night. Jordan Love was already ruled out for the game against the Ravens, after suffering a concussion last week against the Bears. Malik Willis entered the Chicago game in his place, but is dealing with a shoulder injury of his own while also battling an illness.
Willis expressed optimism that he could play on Saturday if needed, but if he cannot go Clayton Tune could be in line for the start.
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