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Who Ravens Fans Should Root for in Week 16

who ravens fans should root for week 16

Coming off a big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, 34-17, the Ravens are slight favorites to win the AFC North, according to multiple prediction models.

While it will all come down to how the Ravens and Steelers play over the final two weeks, there are some games Sunday that can impact the race as well.

Here's who Ravens fans should root for in Week 16:

Cleveland Browns (3-11) @ Cincinnati Bengals (6-8)

1 p.m., CBS

As much as Ravens fans don't want the Bengals to make the postseason, keeping them alive in the race is important. A win against the Browns would mean the Bengals would just need to beat the Denver Broncos (9-6) in Week 17 to still have something to play for in Week 18 against the Steelers, and thus would play all of its starters. No matter what happens on Christmas Day when both the Ravens and Steelers play, a Pittsburgh loss to Cincinnati and Baltimore win over the Browns in Week 18 would give the Ravens the AFC North crown.

Root for: Bengals

New England Patriots (3-11) @ Buffalo Bills (11-3)

4:25 p.m., CBS

This outcome could have a direct impact on Pittsburgh's Christmas day game against the Chiefs. Kansas City would clinch the AFC's top seed with a Buffalo loss, meaning the Dec. 25 game in Pittsburgh would have no stakes for the Chiefs. With Patrick Mahomes working through an ankle injury, several Chiefs being banged up, and playing their second game in four days, Kansas City could opt to rest some starters against the Steelers if the No. 1 seed is locked up. That would be bad for Baltimore.

While a Bills loss would bump Baltimore's odds at the AFC's No. 2 seed to around 10%, according to the New York Times, winning the AFC North is the top priority. And to do so, the Ravens need a Steelers loss.

Root for: Bills

Tennessee Titans (3-11) @ Indianapolis Colts (6-8)

1 p.m., CBS

The Bengals need a Colts loss over the next three weeks to give them a shot at making the postseason. While this is looking far down the road, an Indianapolis win gives the Bengals a worse chance of making the postseason but still keeps them alive for now.

Root for: Colts

San Francisco 49ers (6-8) @ Miami Dolphins (6-8)

4:25 p.m., CBS

Again, the Bengals need at least one loss from the Dolphins to have a chance at the playoffs. Cincinnati gave the Ravens defense trouble in their two matchups this season. And who wants to see an AFC North rival make the playoffs?

Root for: Dolphins

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