Is Baltimore playing starters? Exploring Ravens players' status for Week 18 feat. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry 

The Baltimore Ravens assumed control of the AFC North title race following their win over the Houston Texans and the Pittsburgh Steelers' loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day. However, the job isn't finished.

The Ravens need a victory over the Cleveland Browns in Week 18 to ensure they win the division title regardless of the result of the game between the Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore and Pittsburgh have beaten each other once and boast a 3-2 record in intra-divisional games.

If the Ravens lose on Saturday, their record in games against their divisional rivals will drop to 3-3. That would open the door for the Steelers to win the AFC North with a victory over the Bengals.

Given the stakes, the Ravens wouldn't risk benching stars like quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry. They'd try to build a massive lead by the third quarter before resting their starters to ensure they are healthy for Wildcard Weekend. Expect Baltimore to start the game against Cleveland with all its stars on the field.

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Ravens' playoff path: Who will Baltimore face in the wildcard round?

The Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills are locked in as the top-two seeds in the AFC, while the Houston Texans will start the playoffs as the No. 4 seed. The Ravens will book themselves into the playoffs as the third seed with a win over the Browns, ensuring they start their postseason run at home.

As things stand, Baltimore will host the Los Angeles Chargers on Wildcard Weekend. However, that could change in Week 18. Earlier this week, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh revealed that the team won't be benching its starters and will try its best to beat the Raiders.

If they succeed and the Steelers lose to the Bengals, Baltimore will host Pittsburgh on Wildcard Weekend.

However, if the Browns pull off an upset win over the Ravens and the Steelers take care of business against the Bengals, Pittsburgh will start the playoffs as the third seed while Baltimore will drop to fifth. They'll then have to travel to Houston to take on the Texans in the opening round of the playoffs.

Lamar Jackson and Co. would fancy their chances against Houston. They beat them 31-2 at NRG Stadium on Christmas Day and will back themselves to deliver a similar performance on Wildcard Weekend.

However, they'd prefer to start their playoff campaign at home and will try to ensure they do that with a win over the Browns on Saturday.