Upcoming Opponents

[zarkmepp]

The Ravens will punish the Pats into submission, to much offense. Its time for our offense to explode, there are to many weapons....31-17 Ravens

[ravensdfan]

I know the Pats always pose that offensive threat but defensively (other than their ST play on MNF) they are not getting the job done. Especially on passing defense. As long as the O line doesn't crumble (i.e. the Bengals' game) I see no reason that Joe can't pass at will on them. So while I predicted 12-4 with this as a toss-up game, I think 13-3. My other toss-up games are Texans (Foster + night game) and Falcons (another night game). Ravens just don't seem to like the lights much. Was happy to see us win our opener under the lights though so maybe another negative trend about to fall this season.

[jaege]

I predict a win over the Pats. Not the blowout of last year but by a fair margin, 24-14. The differences in the two teams from last year will favor us. While they do have Brady and Belichek and the bye week advantage, this is the first game after losing Moss. I think Brady will need a few games to get over that, admittedly, minor hump. Also we have fattened up a bit in many ares of the team, and game film can only tell them so much.

Beyond that, the Steelers and possibly the Bengals will be toughs game as usual, and maybe the Falcons, since it is a home game for them. I think we will lose one more but it will be a fluke loss.

[AsianRice]

I don't see we lose to the Pats; however, winning them Jets and Steelers at their home can really cheer me up if we are failed against the Pats.

As long as we progress and capitalize for lessening penalties and playing smart football, I'm happy with that because we really need that to finish strong at the end of the season and be ready for the playoff run.

[IMissMattStover]

I think we can take a win over Pitts again, but we need to shut down Big Ben. As for the Jets, im not terribly concerend, and i cannot stand Rex Ryan, regardless of the fact that he used to work for us. The Falcons game will be tough, in my opinion one of the toughest. This season just has not lived up to expectations in terms of power teams. Indy, NO, Philly, none of them are producing like they were expected to, and i think that will help push us well into the post-season, even if it is on a 10-6 or 11-5 record. An SB is an SB, regardless of the record to get there.

[EnVy_CaLiBeR]

I have us going 12-4 with us losing to Pittsburgh, Patriots, and the Saints.

Yet I have a good feeling about the Patriots game. If we win, 13 and 3 is very likely and 14 and 2 being best case scenario. The first 6 games of this season is the hardest stretch of our schedule and we are already 4 and 1. The rest of the season shouldn't give us as much of a problem considering we have Reed coming back too.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

34-24 ravens win on sunday (the bills scored 30 vs the pats...)
12-4 for the season (the 3 loses - Atlanta, Houston away and one at home to either squelers of saints)
45-13 win vs bills next week

[flaccopoe]

[quote name='IMissMattStover' timestamp='1287156714' post='507989']
Side Note: Under My name, im listed as practice squad. How and when does that go up?
[/quote]

Rookie -- 50 posts
Veteran -- 250 posts
Pro Bowler -- 1000 posts
MVP -- 2500 posts
Hall of Famer -- 5000 posts

Once you hit Hall of Fame status, you can edit your Member Title ("Rank") that's underneath your avatar.

[mhead66]

Okay... I'll go out on a limb:

Currently, we are 4-1.

6. @ New England: Loss to Brady, despite Pats' poor defense. NE 24 Ravens 21.
7. vs Buffalo: Easiest game of the season. Ravens 38 Bills 6.
8. vs Miami: Miami got freight trained at home vs NE. Ravens 28 Fins 10.
9. @ Atlanta: Thurs. Night, Flacco vs. Ryan. Falcons 21 Ravens 17.
10. @ Carolina: Clausen is in for a long day. Ravens 27 Panthers 7.
11. vs. Tampa: Tampa isn't that bad. Ravens 24 Bucs 17.
12. vs Pitt: Ravens fans will hate this game. Steelers 21 Ravens 17.
13. @ Houston: Texans have 10 days off before game. Texans 31 Ravens 28.
14. vs. Saints: Brees beats secondary. Saints 27 Ravens 20.
15. @ Browns: Won't be as close as Wk. 3. Ravens 35 Browns 10.
16. vs. Bengals: Cincy will already be eliminated. Ravens 24 Bengals 13.

Ravens will be the AFC North wildcard, and (props to Fly) will meet the Steelers in the AFCCG.

Just my $.02

[Trilogique]

I think we'll lose the Steelers and Atlanta game for sure. we have only a few days to rest vs. Atlanta and the Steelers will want revenge.

I think we'll end 13-3, but at least 11-5

[1/28/01]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1287276090' post='508783']
Okay... I'll go out on a limb:

Currently, we are 4-1.

6. @ New England: Loss to Brady, despite Pats' poor defense. NE 24 Ravens 21.
7. vs Buffalo: Easiest game of the season. Ravens 38 Bills 6.
8. vs Miami: Miami got freight trained at home vs NE. Ravens 28 Fins 10.
9. @ Atlanta: Thurs. Night, Flacco vs. Ryan. Falcons 21 Ravens 17.
10. @ Carolina: Clausen is in for a long day. Ravens 27 Panthers 7.
11. vs. Tampa: Tampa isn't that bad. Ravens 24 Bucs 17.
12. vs Pitt: Ravens fans will hate this game. Steelers 21 Ravens 17.
13. @ Houston: Texans have 10 days off before game. Texans 31 Ravens 28.
14. vs. Saints: Brees beats secondary. Saints 27 Ravens 20.
15. @ Browns: Won't be as close as Wk. 3. Ravens 35 Browns 10.
16. vs. Bengals: Cincy will already be eliminated. Ravens 24 Bengals 13.

Ravens will be the AFC North wildcard, and (props to Fly) will meet the Steelers in the AFCCG.

Just my $.02
[/quote]
wow.....only 10-6? And a 3 game losing streak?

[flaccopoe]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1287276090' post='508783']
6. @ New England: Loss to Brady, despite Pats' poor defense. NE 24 Ravens 21.
7. vs Buffalo: Easiest game of the season. Ravens 38 Bills 6.
8. vs Miami: Miami got freight trained at home vs NE. Ravens 28 Fins 10.
9. @ Atlanta: Thurs. Night, Flacco vs. Ryan. Falcons 21 Ravens 17.
10. @ Carolina: Clausen is in for a long day. Ravens 27 Panthers 7.
11. vs. Tampa: Tampa isn't that bad. Ravens 24 Bucs 17.
12. vs Pitt: Ravens fans will hate this game. Steelers 21 Ravens 17.
13. @ Houston: Texans have 10 days off before game. Texans 31 Ravens 28.
14. vs. Saints: Brees beats secondary. Saints 27 Ravens 20.
15. @ Browns: Won't be as close as Wk. 3. Ravens 35 Browns 10.
16. vs. Bengals: Cincy will already be eliminated. Ravens 24 Bengals 13.

Ravens will be the AFC North wildcard. [/quote]

You seem rather pessimistic, predicting losses to all of our toughest opponents. The only games I'm really concerned about are Miami (don't underestimate the 'Phins)and Atlanta. NO and Houston are having rather erratic seasons so far, plus we'll have Reed and probably Gaither back too.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='flaccopoe' timestamp='1287279536' post='508807']
You seem rather pessimistic, predicting losses to all of our toughest opponents. The only games I'm really concerned about are Miami (don't underestimate the 'Phins)and Atlanta. NO and Houston are having rather erratic seasons so far, plus we'll have Reed and [b]probably Gaither back[/b] too.
[/quote]
Doubtful

[letsgoflacco]

I would say that our toughest game is at the Falcons. I hate Thursday night games because it is so tough on the teams. But I think we win it. Maybe it is because I really want Joe to beat Matt Ryan so we don't have to hear about that for the next ten years. But I won't be so sure until the season unfolds. Yes the Steelers game will be nail biter but we will be at home so I think we will have the upper hand.

But I think we beat the Patriots quite soundly. And then steam roll the Bills to go 6-1 into our BYE. That is how far in the future I like to go. Because other than that everything is up in the air.

[Bltravens]

The Falcons are good at home and a good team in general, but I dont know why its generally a consensus we lose that game. Ryan couldnt move the ball at all on the Steelers in the redzone and then what, they played the Browns, Cardinals, and then they played very well against the Saints. Roddy White and Gonzalez are legit, but our defense is typically top 5 against TEs annually and if Mattison continues his current trend we give help over the top on 2/3s of pass plays to teams #1 receivers. Turner is not going to run on us barring significant injury to our Dline (fingers crossed).

[mhead66]

[quote name='flaccopoe' timestamp='1287279536' post='508807']
[b]You seem rather pessimistic, predicting losses to all of our toughest opponents[/b]. The only games I'm really concerned about are Miami (don't underestimate the 'Phins)and Atlanta. NO and Houston are having rather erratic seasons so far, plus we'll have Reed and probably Gaither back too.
[/quote]
Perhaps you're right, but everyone usually predicts a 15-1 record, and I wanted to keep the conversation going....

Honestly, that was a absolutely-worst case scenario. Worst case, Ravens go 11-5, and go to the AFCCG. But... I'm thinking, seriously, 13-3 - with wins today and vs. the Texans, for sure.

[1/28/01]

[quote name='mhead66' timestamp='1287315104' post='508922']
Perhaps you're right, but everyone usually predicts a 15-1 record, and I wanted to keep the conversation going....

Honestly, that was a absolutely-worst case scenario. Worst case, Ravens go 11-5, and go to the AFCCG. But... I'm thinking, seriously, 13-3 - with wins today and vs. the Texans, for sure.
[/quote]
That still doesn't explain your prediction of 10-6.....you say worst case scenario is 11 wins, when you have us getting 10, weird!

[Jamal]

Even if the Texans are out of playoff contention by the time we play them, which I doubt, you know they'll give us there best shot since its a home Monday Nighter. Teams that rarely get Monday home games, are dangerous once they do get them.

I also think the Saint will get better as the season goes. I'd feel a lot better if we were facing them the next couple of weeks, but I have a feeling they will be back in Superbowl form by the time they face us. But the game being in our stadium gives us an edge.

Also, I wont believe we can beat the Steelers with Ben until I see it.

[flynismo]

Last time we played the Texans, 2008, half the board were sucking their thumbs and predicting a loss. We blew them out, think it was 41-13.Not saying it will happen again, but Houston doesn't scare me at all.I noticed around here that when making these prediction threads, a lot of people just seem to look at the schedule, pick out all the hyped teams and mark it as a loss, mark the road game verse Pitts a loss, and mark the rest as a win.

[Purple Nurple]

[quote name='flynismo' timestamp='1287329131' post='508970']
Last time we played the Texans, 2008, half the board were sucking their thumbs and predicting a loss. We blew them out, think it was 41-13.Not saying it will happen again, but Houston doesn't scare me at all.[b]I noticed around here that when making these prediction threads, a lot of people just seem to look at the schedule, pick out all the hyped teams and mark it as a loss, mark the road game verse Pitts a loss, and mark the rest as a win.[/b]
[/quote]

Yep. I just blur my eyes when I "read" theses threads.

[IMissMattStover]

Good point. Road Game does not mean loss, and tough teams can go down unexpectedly. Looking at college last night, Ohio State's loss? I do think the Dalcons will be a problem though, and the Steelers are a rather hyped up team, but i see a close game with a possible win for us.

[darklight1216]

[quote name='flaccopoe' timestamp='1287279536' post='508807']
You seem rather pessimistic, [b]predicting losses to all of our toughest opponents.[/b] The only games I'm really concerned about are Miami (don't underestimate the 'Phins)and Atlanta. NO and Houston are having rather erratic seasons so far, plus we'll have Reed and probably Gaither back too.
[/quote]
That's basically what they've done for the last couple of years. Pittsburgh, Cincy, NE, Indy...most games against good teams have resulted in losses for Baltimore.

[Jamal]

As I predicted, we lose to the Pats. Still does't lower the pain though....

[Twoo]

Twoo's logical final 10

Home vs Bills - WIN
Bottom 5 offense and defense

Home vs Dolphins - WIN
They find ways to win, but also find ways to lose with their weak QB play

Away at Falcons - WIN
They've struggled big time against decent teams

Away at Panthers - WIN
Worst offense in the NFL

Home vs Bucs - WIN
Can't stop the run, can't beat decent teams

Home vs Steelers - WIN
We're at home and we'll finally put sweep the Ravens under Harbs

Away at Texans - WIN
One of the worst defenses in the NFL (points allowed, passing)

Home vs Saints - WIN
They've become a one dimensional team and have struggled all season

Away at Browns - WIN
I don't need to explain this (and I don't care if they can run the ball)

Home vs Cincy - WIN
We will not allow another Bengals home loss

--

Call me crazy, but the Ravens schedule went from the hardest in the NFL to one of the easiest in the NFL.

As I've said since before pre-season... 14-2.

[IMissMattStover]

Hmm. Today was dissapointing and surprising to say the least. We still have AFC North control, but our lead is lower in total AFC. I think i like the should be easy game next week followed by a bye. it gives us time to figure out what the heck happened today.

[Bltravens]

Texans just lost Demeco Ryans too for the year, that hits their rush D pretty hard. I fully expect to beat the Falcons, when Turner is stuffed the Falcons have a tough time scoring points, the Eagles just flat out pumped them today and Turner had like 50 yards. The Steelers game is going to be another slugfest, in the cold. And the Saints will have Bush back by the time our game comes along, but it will be interesting to see how their high flying offense does in the cold.

[Ed_Reed20]

[quote name='Bltravens' timestamp='1287365784' post='511568']
Texans just lost Demeco Ryans too for the year, that hits their rush D pretty hard.
[/quote]

Very hard. When did he go down because I know both Charles and Jones cracked the century mark.

[IMissMattStover]

You know, I was worried about the Falcons game, but they got wiped out today by the Eagles, and now that Texans are dropping key players, our season is still far from over.

[Bltravens]

[quote name='Ed_Reed20' timestamp='1287365884' post='511573']
Very hard. When did he go down because I know both Charles and Jones cracked the century mark.
[/quote]
Im not quite sure when he got hurt, but for a defense that was already awful in the secondary this is a huge blow to their front 7.

[IMissMattStover]

It is. That saddens me, because Houston is my second favorite, but it gladdens me because i bleed purple and black first and foremost.