The Baltimore Ravens clinched the AFC North title with a commanding 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns, securing their spot in the NFL playoffs. With Bailey Zappe starting at quarterback, the Browns struggled offensively, allowing the Ravens to maintain a comfortable lead throughout the second half. Lamar Jackson finished his season with impressive numbers: 4,172 passing yards, 41 passing touchdowns, and 915 rushing yards, raising questions about a potential third MVP award. The dominant win secured the Ravens the No. 3 seed in the AFC, behind the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills.
Baltimore Ravens players celebrating their AFC North win
Meanwhile, the Cincinnati Bengals faced a struggling Pittsburgh Steelers team in a must-win game with significant playoff implications. The Bengals’ victory kept their wild-card hopes alive, though they need both the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat the Denver Broncos and the New York Jets to beat the Miami Dolphins to secure a playoff berth.
The Bengals took an early lead and held off a late Steelers comeback attempt, extending their winning streak to four games while simultaneously pushing the Steelers’ losing streak to four. This contrasting momentum heading into the potential playoffs sets the stage for an exciting postseason. The Bengals’ win underscores the unpredictable nature of the NFL, particularly during the playoffs. Knowing the NFL playoff scores is crucial for fans and analysts as the race for the Super Bowl intensifies.
A key moment in the Ravens’ victory was a remarkable interception by 355-pound defensive tackle Michael Pierce. This unexpected play highlighted the Ravens’ defensive strength and contributed to their dominant performance. The interception, a rare occurrence for a defensive lineman, further solidified the Ravens’ reputation as a formidable defensive unit.
The Steelers’ loss leaves them in a precarious position, entering the potential playoffs on a four-game losing streak. They now need a loss by the Los Angeles Chargers to secure the No. 5 seed in the AFC. This losing streak raises concerns about their playoff competitiveness. For fans following the NFL playoff scores, the Steelers’ situation adds another layer of drama to the AFC wild-card race.
The Bengals’ hard-fought 19-17 victory over the Steelers was a testament to their resilience and determination. Key plays, including sacks by Trey Hendrickson and a crucial touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase, propelled the Bengals to victory. The game showcased the intense rivalry between these two AFC North teams.