The Baltimore Ravens had the playoffs in their sights. Up double digits in the fourth quarter against a struggling New England Patriots team, it looked like John Harbaugh’s squad was going to keep their postseason hopes alive. Instead, they let it slip - and with it, likely their shot at January football.
Baltimore’s 28-24 loss to New England wasn’t just a disappointing result - it was a gut punch. The Ravens held an 11-point lead with under 10 minutes to play, but couldn’t close the door.
That’s the kind of collapse that doesn’t just sting in the moment; it lingers. Because in a season where every game has felt like a must-win since their 1-5 start, this one was gift-wrapped - and they handed it right back.
Now sitting at 7-8, the Ravens are on the outside looking in. And with the Steelers taking care of business earlier in the day against the Lions, the path to the playoffs is hanging by a thread.
Let’s be clear: Baltimore’s margin for error was already razor-thin. That’s what happens when you dig yourself into a 1-5 hole to start the year. But to battle back, to get within striking distance, and then to lose a game like this - one they were controlling late - that’s the kind of loss that defines a season.
You can talk about the grade all you want - CBS Sports handed them a “B-” for the effort. But this isn’t about letter grades. This is about a team that had a postseason lifeline and couldn’t hold on.
Can the Ravens still sneak into the playoffs?
Technically, yes. Mathematically, there’s still a pulse. But it’s faint - and it’s going to need help.
For Baltimore to have any shot, they’ll need to win out. That’s already a tall order, especially with Lamar Jackson’s status uncertain moving forward. And even if they do take care of business, they’ll need the Steelers to drop their final two games - a scenario that feels more like wishful thinking than realistic hope.
So where does that leave the Ravens? On the brink.
Not officially eliminated, but dangerously close. And what stings most is that they had control.
They had the lead. They had the momentum.
And they let it all get away in the final 10 minutes.
This loss wasn’t about one play or one mistake - it was about failing to finish. And in the NFL, especially in December, that’s the difference between playing in January and packing up early.
The Ravens had their chance. And they blew it.