{"id":126531,"date":"2025-12-22T00:51:53","date_gmt":"2025-12-22T05:51:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/patriots-return-to-playoffs-and-push-ravens-to-the-brink\/"},"modified":"2025-12-22T13:49:05","modified_gmt":"2025-12-22T18:49:05","slug":"patriots-return-to-playoffs-and-push-ravens-to-the-brink","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/queonnda.com\/en\/patriots-return-to-playoffs-and-push-ravens-to-the-brink\/","title":{"rendered":"Patriots return to playoffs and push Ravens to the brink"},"content":{"rendered":"

The New England Patriots beat the Baltimore Ravens 24-28 on Sunday to seal their return to the playoffs after a three-season absence, while the losing side, depleted for much of the game by the absence of Lamar Jackson, is on the brink of elimination.<\/p>\n

The Patriots (12-3) secured one of the American League’s second-place spots, tied with the Denver Broncos (12-3), to whom they will compete in the last two rounds for the conference lead and a bye in the first round of the playoffs.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Patriots return to playoffs<\/h2>\n

The Broncos lost Sunday in Denver 20-34 to the Jacksonville Jaguars, who, like the Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Chargers, are 11-4, just one win behind the Broncos and Patriots.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, the Ravens (7-8) see their chances of making the playoffs reduced to a paltry 11%, according to NFL<\/a> statistics.<\/p>\n

Baltimore<\/a> would need a miracle to qualify: first, win its next two games – against the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers – and second, have the Steelers also lose to the Cleveland Browns in Week 17.<\/p>\n

In addition, there is still a question as to whether they will be able to count on Lamar Jackson, who left the game in the second quarter after taking a knee to the back from Craig Woodson.<\/p>\n

Maye gave a remarkable performance<\/h2>\n
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ice ice\ud83e\uddca https:\/\/t.co\/rgFU0WUYt A<\/a><\/p>\n

– New England Patriots (@Patriots) December 22, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n