The Ravens’ mission to defy the odds and make the playoffs despite their brutal 1–5 start to the season is right on schedule.
Behind four touchdown passes from two-time MVP Lamar Jackson in his first game back and 119 rushing yards from Derrick Henry, Baltimore cruised to a 28–6 win over the Dolphins on Thursday night at Hard Rock Stadium.
With their second win in five days, the Ravens improved to 3–5, moving up into a tie for second place in the AFC North with the rival Bengals. Baltimore is now just one win behind the first-place Steelers (4–3), who host the 7–1 Colts on Sunday.
According to NFL.com, the Ravens’ probability to make the playoffs significantly jumped to 60% with the win. Had they lost to Miami, that percentage would have fallen to 37%. The Ravens are now just two wins behind the Chiefs (5–3) for the AFC’s final playoff spot.
The Dolphins, meanwhile, fall to 2–7 while their playoff probability sits at 1%. Had Miami won and improved to 3–6, that number would have slightly risen to 3%.
Following the Ravens’ win Thursday night, here's how the NFL playoff picture looks heading into the weekend (Note: all playoff odds are provided by NFL.com):
AFC Playoff Picture
SEED | TEAM | PLAYOFF % |
|---|---|---|
1 | Colts (7–1) | 95% |
2 | Patriots (6–2) | 86% |
3 | Broncos (6–2) | 79% |
4 | Steelers (4–3) | 50% |
5 | Bills (5–2) | 88% |
6 | Chargers (5–3) | 69% |
7 | Chiefs (5–3) | 82% |
--- | --- | --- |
8 | Jaguars (4–3) | 43% |
9 | Texans (3–4) | 40% |
10 | Bengals (3–5) | 6% |
11 | Ravens (3–5) | 60% |
12 | Raiders (2–5) | 2% |
13 | Browns (2–6) | 3% |
14 | Dolphins (2–7) | 1% |
15 | Jets (1–7) | 1% |
16 | Titans (1–7) | 1% |
NFC Playoff Picture
SEED | TEAM | PLAYOFF % |
|---|---|---|
1 | Packers (5–1–1) | 93% |
2 | Eagles (6–2) | 92% |
3 | Buccaneers (6–2) | 91% |
4 | Seahawks (5–2) | 83% |
5 | Lions (5–2) | 84% |
6 | Rams (5–2) | 91% |
7 | 49ers (5–3) | 71% |
--- | --- | --- |
8 | Bears (4–3) | 27% |
9 | Panthers (4–4) | 14% |
10 | Cowboys (3–4–1) | 14% |
11 | Falcons (3–4) | 19% |
12 | Vikings (3–4) | 10% |
13 | Commanders (3–5) | 13% |
14 | Cardinals (2–5) | 3% |
15 | Giants (2–6) | 2% |
16 | Saints (1–7) | 1% |