AFC playoff picture: Ravens sit as early 2nd seed ahead of matchup vs. Browns

The Ravens are 7-2 and atop the AFC North, but that standing alone won’t create much separation, as three other division rivals are also currently in the postseason picture.

If the postseason started this weekend, the AFC North would be represented by all four teams, along with the division winners from the AFC East, AFC South, and AFC West.

Baltimore and Cleveland are set for a high-profile matchup on Sunday, and a loss could drop the Browns down onto the bubble and as low as the No. 9 overall seed.

With preparation for Sunday underway, here’s a first look at the AFC playoff picture.

1. Kansas City Chiefs: 7-2 • 1st AFC West -- Week 10 Matchup Bye

Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

2. Baltimore Ravens: 7-2 • 1st AFC North --Week 10 Matchup Browns 5-3

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – NOVEMBER 05: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball in the game against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium on November 05, 2023 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

3. Jacksonville Jaguars: 6-2 • 1st AFC South --Week 10 Matchup 49ers 5-3

Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence (16) fires the ball downfield during the first half against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA on October 29, 2023.

4. Miami Dolphins: 6-3 • 1st AFC East -Week 10 Matchup Bye

Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

5. Pittsburgh Steelers: 5-3 • 2nd AFC North -- Week 10 Matchup Packers 3-5

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) gets off a pass while pressured by Tennessee Titans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (2) during their game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Penn., Thursday, Nov. 2, 2023.

6. Cleveland Browns: 5-3 • 3rd AFC North --Week 10 Matchup Ravens 7-2

Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

7. Cincinnati Bengals: 5-3 • 4th AFC North-- Week 10 Matchup Texans 4-4

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow (9) eyes Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) while he runs a route in the fourth quarter during a Week 9 NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

8 . Buffalo Bills: 5-4 • 2nd AFC East -3 Falling Down Week 10 Matchup Broncos 3-5

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) throws under pressure in the first quarter during a Week 9 NFL football game between the Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals, Sunday, Nov. 5, 2023, at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.

9. Houston Texans: 4-4 • 2nd AFC South -- Week 10 Matchup Bengals 5-3

(Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

10. Los Angeles Chargers: 4-4 • 2nd AFC West -- Week 10 Matchup Lions 6-2

New York, NY, US; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) looks for an open teammate, at MetLife Stadium, Monday, November 6, 2023.

11 . New York Jets: 4-4 • 3rd AFC East -- Week 10 Matchup Raiders 4-5

New York Jets quarterback Zach Wilson looks for an open teammate during the second quarter in his team’s 27-6 loss on Monday night to the Los Angeles Chargers at MetLife Stadium.