Who Ravens Fans Should Root for in Week 16

There are two scenarios in which the Ravens could clinch the AFC North, pending a win on Christmas Day against the 49ers. Here’s who Ravens fans should root for:

Cincinnati Bengals (8-6) @ Pittsburgh Steelers (7-7)
Saturday, 4:30 p.m., CBS

Pittsburgh, led by Mason Rudolph, is looking to defeat the injured Bengals team and snap a three-game losing streak. Star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and starting defensive end DJ Reader of Cincinnati are sidelined due to injuries sustained during the team’s overtime victory over the Vikings. Though they couldn’t overtake the Ravens in the AFC North, the Steelers can prevent the Bengals from making the playoffs.

Root for: Steelers

Buffalo Bills (8-6) @ Los Angeles Chargers (5-9)
Saturday, 8:00 p.m., Peacock

The Eagles, Chiefs, and Cowboys are among the best teams in the league that the Bills have defeated recently as they make a run for the playoffs. The Chargers will be playing without Head Coach Brandon Staley for the first time this week. Staley was fired following the team’s disastrous 63-21 loss against the Raiders. The Chargers should be favored by Ravens supporters in order to upset the Bills and lessen their threat in the AFC standings.

Root for: Chargers

Cleveland Browns (9-5) @ Houston Texans (8-6)
Sunday, 1:00 p.m., CBS

In Week 14, both clubs pulled off incredible comebacks to win their respective games in overtime. Despite QB problems, Joe Flacco’s huge day against the Bears gave Browns supporters hope. A victory versus a wild card team might push the Texans closer to a playoff berth, even with CJ Stroud (Case Keenum to start) probably out for a second week. In the event that Cleveland loses and the Ravens win their remaining games, they would secure the AFC North.

Root for: Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars (8-6) @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-7)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m., ABC & CBS

Following a thrilling 34-20 victory over the Packers at Lambeau Field, the Bucs are riding high. Baker Mayfield became the first opponent quarterback to record a perfect passer rating at the storied stadium. Jacksonville’s hold on the AFC South is slipping as they go on a three-game losing streak. The Jaguars are hoping to stay in the AFC with a victory, with Trevor Lawrence in the concussion protocol. However, supporters of the Ravens should want the Buccaneers to keep up their winning streak.

Root for: Buccaneers

Dallas Cowboys (10-4) @ Miami Dolphins (10-4)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m., FOX

Dak Prescott might have disappeared from the MVP discussion following the Cowboys’ humiliating 31-20 loss to the Bills. Conversely, Miami bounced back against the Jets, recording its first shutout of the year. Tyreek Hill isn’t there, but the Dolphins still amass 290 yards and force four turnovers. Supporters of the Ravens should cheer for the Cowboys to bounce back and halt the Dolphins, as Miami remains in second place in the AFC.

Root for: Cowboys

Las Vegas Raiders (6-8) @ Kansas City Chiefs (9-5)
Monday, 1:00 p.m., ABC, CBS & Nickelodeon

The Raiders’ “Thursday Night Football” thrashing of the Chargers set a franchise mark for the most points scored in a game. In New England, the Chiefs triumphed 27–17 to turn the tide. Patrick Mahomes threw two interceptions in spite of the victory. Supporters of the Ravens should cheer for the Raiders to exploit the Chiefs’ offensive shortcomings and secure a victory. The Chiefs are still very much in the running for the top seed in the AFC, despite their difficulties.

Root for: Raiders