In a pivotal matchup with major playoff implications, the Baltimore Ravens are set to host the Miami Dolphins this Sunday. The Ravens, coming off a dominant victory over the San Francisco 49ers, are now closing in on securing the coveted AFC No. 1 seed.

As the three-point favorites heading into the game, a win for the Ravens would secure them a crucial bye week in the playoffs and grant them home-field advantage. This would undoubtedly establish them as the front-runners to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl.

However, the outcome of this highly anticipated clash holds significant consequences for both teams. A victory for the Dolphins at Baltimore would keep their hopes of securing the No. 1 seed alive. If Miami manages to triumph over the Ravens and emerge victorious against the Buffalo Bills in Week 18, they would clinch the top seed with the accompanying bye week and home-field advantage.

On the other hand, a win for the Dolphins would also have implications for the wild card race. In Week 18, the Ravens are scheduled to host the Pittsburgh Steelers, who are fighting for a wild card berth. If Baltimore has nothing to play for, resting their starters becomes a possibility, potentially benefiting the Steelers in their playoff push.

The showdown between the Dolphins and Ravens is shaping up to be the biggest game of the season for Miami. Their aspirations for a favorable postseason path hinge on their ability to overcome the formidable Ravens in their own backyard. Should they indeed pull off the upset, the Dolphins' final contest against the Bills would take on added significance as they vie for the No. 1 seed.

The stakes couldn't be higher as the Ravens and Dolphins prepare to clash in a battle that not only affects the top seed race but also shapes the dynamic of the wild card picture moving forward. Football fans can expect an intense showdown on Sunday, with the outcome potentially reshaping the landscape of the NFL playoffs.