Can the Ravens capture the top seed in the AFC?

If the playoffs started today, the road to the Super Bowl would go through Baltimore. With three games to play in the regular season, the Ravens are currently the No. 1 overall seed in the AFC.

At 11-3, they’re a game ahead of the Dolphins for the best record in the conference. They’re two games ahead of the Chiefs, the next-closest division leader.

That puts Baltimore in the driver’s seat down the stretch. They’re in prime position to earn the only first-round bye in the AFC, as well as home-field advantage throughout the playoffs.

But it won’t be easy. The schedule isn’t kind to the Ravens down the stretch.

On Christmas night, they travel to San Francisco to take on arguably the best team in the NFL. Then, they host the Dolphins on New Year’s Eve, in a game that could determine the top seed in the conference. And finally, the Ravens host the Steelers to cap the season, a classic AFC North rivalry that could have huge playoff implications.

Steve Quinne’s Pick: Baltimore to win the AFC championship (+235)

Yes, it’s going to be tough for the Ravens to earn the No. 1 overall seed. While getting to 12 wins seems likely, earning that 13^th victory could prove difficult. If they can’t, it’s all about determining if the Dolphins can get there instead. Miami hosts Dallas this weekend, followed by its showdown in Baltimore, and then end its season with the Bills. Can the Dolphins go 2-1 in that stretch, including a road win over the Ravens? That seems unlikely. And if Baltimore earns home-field throughout the playoffs, taking it to advance to the Super Bowl is a smart bet.