Dolphins Win Over Cowboys Puts Pressure on Ravens Monday Night

No matter the result from Monday night's marquee matchup, the Baltimore Ravens would be the top seed in the AFC Playoffs if the season ended after 16 weeks.

The issue? The season doesn't end after 16 weeks, and Baltimore's road to the top seed has gotten a lot tougher than people want to admit.

With the Miami Dolphins 22-20 victory over the Dallas Cowboys Sunday evening in South Florida, the Fish remained a sole game behind Baltimore for the AFC's top seed.

Should Baltimore lose on Monday night against the NFC-leading San Francisco 49ers, they would remain as the top seed by virtue of their strength of victory lead (.497-.356).

A loss on Monday night would put the top seed up for grabs in the very next week when the Dolphins visit M&T Bank Stadium.

Of course, due to the Ravens having just a game lead over Miami, next week will still be for a top spot with a win as well. The only difference is that Baltimore would have a chance to clinch the AFC's top seed. A loss means they would need some help in the NFL's final week to earn the first-round bye.

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So what does that all mean?

A Ravens win over the 49ers will give Baltimore a chance to clinch the top seed for the final week of the year. A loss means everything is up for grabs when the Fish and Flock battle it out next week.