Here’s new staff writer Antonio Barbera with a reasoned look at the Ravens’ prospects to prevail in the final third of the regular season to advance to the AFC playoffs and (ultimately) championship game:
After the Ravens’ statement victory over the 49ers on Thanksgiving Night, they have only five games remaining until the playoffs. These next five weeks will have a monumental impact on postseason seeding, however, with the top four AFC teams all holding 8-3 records. Baltimore, New England, Houston, and Pittsburgh have eight wins each, and even Oakland has quietly won three games in a row and now has a 7-4 record atop the AFC West.
The Ravens are 6-0 at home this season compared to 2-3 on the road, so earning home-field advantage throughout the playoffs is their goal. While it is still too early for statistical guarantees, if Baltimore wins out and finishes at 13-3, it is very likely they will end up with the #1 or #2 seed. And although it is tempting to look forward, the Ravens must keep in mind that while they are competing for AFC superiority, they are still vying for the AFC North title. Many thought the Steelers would be out of contention after the Ravens’ sweep, yet there they stand, one Baltimore slip-up away from being in first place in the North. Even Cincinnati still has high hopes with a 7-4 record and a home game yet to play against the Ravens. The point of all of this is to realize that the line between the #1 seed and no postseason at all is still incredibly thin.
The Ravens play three of their last five games on the road, which is no easy feat considering they have one impressive road victory all season (23-20 over Pittsburgh). Next week Baltimore faces the Browns (4-7) in Cleveland, and although Head Coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco have never lost to them in three seasons, the average margin of victory in the last two meetings was only 8.5 points.
Following a home game against the hapless Colts (0-11), the Ravens travel to San Diego in what most think will be the biggest test for Baltimore down the stretch. The Chargers (4-7) seem to play their best football in December, and the Ravens will be traveling across the country for the second time this season. That same weekend will feature the Steelers playing at San Francisco (9-2) and New England playing at the Denver Broncos (6-5), who have won five of their past six games since putting Tim Tebow in at quarterback. Look for Week 15 to determine who gets home-field advantage as well as a first round bye in the AFC.
Baltimore will then play its final regular season home game against the Browns, and finish the season at Cincinnati. The Bengals will likely still be in the hunt for a Wild Card spot, and with rookie wide receiver A.J. Green back in the lineup, the game should make for a fantastic season finale.
Anything can happen in the next month, but if the Ravens play to their potential, a 13-3 record is certainly within reach. In December every game has a playoff atmosphere, and Baltimore needs to approach each game as such. The intensity shown on Thanksgiving against a 9-1 team needs to be the same against a winless team. If the offense can play consistent, turnover-free football, and the defense continues its dominating ways, big things can be expected from this year’s unit. Only time will tell…
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
