The Baltimore Ravens have clawed their way back from a dismal 1-5 record to improve to a 6-6 record after a five-game winning streak. Now, they are tied for first place in the AFC North alongside the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Stakes will always be high in December, as teams are angling for their playoff push. For the Ravens, they are now thrust into a situation where winning will become paramount to securing the division title.

Players understand the sheer weight of the game on Sunday, including cornerback Marlon Humphrey. Humphrey sent out a major warning regarding the importance of the game, and how it is a "must-win."

"I think how we prepare this week, will kind of do echoes not only for this game, but for the rest of the season. We are basically in playoff football right now. You know they say, 'There is no must-win game,' but this is a must-win game," Humphrey said. 

Humphrey has a major point in the Ravens being in "playoff football," as it is December, and there are only five games left of the regular season. 

Even more so, the warning of being a "must-win" game is certainly felt due to being tied with the Steelers for the AFC North crowns.

The AFC continues to shift and is stacked with strong teams. The sheer volume of winning the AFC North crown could ultimately decide which team makes the playoffs.

Currently, the Ravens are in first place with a 6-6 record. However, a loss would place them at 6-7, and push them into the ninth or 10th seed in the AFC. 

The Steelers are the ninth seed at 6-6, followed by the 6-6 10th seed Kansas City Chiefs, and the 5-7 11th seed Miami Dolphins.

Should the Chiefs and Dolphins win this week, a 6-7 record for the Ravens would likely place them at the 12th seed or worse. 

Simply put, Humphrey's warning about the stakes of the game should not be understated. Winning now and through the regular season is the best way to not only take the AFC North crown, but to ensure a postseason berth at all.

A few more losses would ultimately doom the Ravens and send the team home early.