Will Ravens rest their starters vs. Browns in Week 18? Why they should, why they shouldn’t ahead of AFC playoffs
The Baltimore Ravens are now the No. 3 seed and in control of the AFC North after Pittsburgh’s 29-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.
The Chiefs (15-1) clinched the No. 1 overall seed and home-field advantage with the win, while the Steelers (10-6) dropped from the No. 3 seed to the 5th spot and would travel to face the Texans on Wild Card Weekend if Baltimore wins out.
With the final Week 17 slate of games upcoming and the season finale nine or ten days away, we’re looking at why the Ravens should or should not rest their starters.
Current AFC Wild Card matchups
INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 25: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers during the third quarter in the game at SoFi Stadium on November 25, 2024 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
Chiefs: 15-1 • 1st AFC West –First Round Bye
2. Bills vs. 7. Broncos
3. Ravens vs. 6. Chargers
4. Texans vs. 5. Steelers
Why the should sit — It’s the Browns
HOUSTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 25: Josh Johnson #17 of the Baltimore Ravens hands the ball off to Keaton Mitchell #34 of the Baltimore Ravens during the fourth quarter at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
18.5 points favor Baltimore, and some semblance of Josh Johnson, Keaton Mitchell, and key contributors on offense can hold the fort and defeat a Browns team looking to get on vacation after a 20-3 loss to the Dolphins with Tyler Huntley at quarterback.
Why they should play –3 is better than six
Dec 15, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs with the ball during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
As it currently stands, Baltimore is the No. 3 seed and would host the Los Angeles Chargers at M&T Bank Stadium on Jan 4-6. A loss to a motivated Browns team would give Pittsburgh the AFC North if they can defeat Cincinnati, dropping Baltimore to the No. 5 seed and a road game against the Texans. That’s not the worst matchup, but you want to host a playoff game.
Why they should sit –Rest for the weary
Dec 25, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Zay Flowers (4) reacts after his first down catch against the Houston Texans in the first quarter at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Zay Flowers, Tyler Linderbaum, Lamar Jackson, Nelson Agholor, Daniel Faalele, Justice Hill, Tre’Davious White, and Nate Wiggins are all Ravens starters or contributors who could benefit from having Week 18 off.
Why the should play –Browns want to play spoilers
The Browns (3-13) have lost five straight games, and a defeat against Baltimore on Saturday would vastly improve Cleveland’s draft position.
Star defensive end Myles Garrett says he’ll be playing to win and play spoilers against the Ravens, who can clinch the AFC North with a victory. In October, the Browns beat Baltimore, 29-24, and Garrett wants to pull off another upset, this time as 18-point underdogs.
“I’m not looking into the future,” Garrett said via the Browns’ website after their 20-3 loss to the Miami Dolphins. “The next thing on my mind is recovery, looking at film, how can we improve going to the Ravens, trying to play spoiler for them.”
