Chances we still make the playoffs

[runamuk]

I would expect nothing more then doom and gloom after the lack luster performance this team had last night, but the Ravens still have a really good opportunity to make the Playoffs.

 

For people saying the Bengals will be playing their guys because they'll be fighting for the #2 seed, I don't think they will. First of all the Bengals just won the North yesterday and as much as many will say you just put those emotions aside, it's tough to do. The Bengals are in a position to become lacked knowing that they are already in. It's tough to fight for something that you can't achieve just by winning. They would still need the Pats to lose to get the #2 seed. Also, Marvin has to weigh risk vs reward. No matter the outcome of this game, the Bengals could very well be hosting the Ravens again next week. With nothing to lose for the Bengals, why show your hand to a team that already knows you well. The smart play would be to make the Ravens go all out to beat you and come back and try it again the following week. I don't see the Bengals starters playing more then 1 quarter.

 

As for Mia and SD. SD is in the worse spot because they play at 4:30 while the Ravens and Dolphins play at 1. If either the Ravens or Dolphins win, SD has nothing to play for and that'll be an emotional let down for their players. To spend all week getting up for a Win or go home game only to find out just minutes before that you are eliminated no matter what is tough.

 

So it'll be a long day on Sunday and despite Fans from all 4 teams being uptight, I'm sure the NFL will love every moment of it. I actually think the Ravens win the 6th seed and travel to Indy next week.

thanks for a positive post. I too think we snag the 6th seed and make some noise in the playoffs. we laid an egg we won't see a repeat of that.

[Ravensfan23]

This is a great point which seems to be overlooked on the boards. You can bet SD will be checking the scoreboard of our games.  It could serve up an emotional blow.  Rivers tends to be a very emotional (albeit competitive person).  That's why we need to take care of our business. 

 

I never give up until the clock says ZERO.  Neither does my support of this team.  So many people are ready to quit on the team.  If our team gave up when 'it didn't look good' we wouldn't be defending SB champs.  

 

Yea that's a result of seeing the team get it handed to them so bad, but just like the Broncos game from last year, the score isn't indicative of where both teams are. No excuses for Flacco because he was bad but the brace really hurt him. The Pats were smart because once they saw the effects of the brace keeping Joe from moving as much as he normally does, they attacked him.

 

But for next week, I think they will definitely be watching as you say and a win by either Mia or the Ravens kills their chances. I'll admit while watching the game, I'm like man this is it, there is no way the Chargers and Dolphins both lose next week. But then just thinking about it, I  just don't see SD having much to play for because I think both the Ravens and Dolphins win.

[Ravensfan23]

thanks for a positive post. I too think we snag the 6th seed and make some noise in the playoffs. we laid an egg we won't see a repeat of that.

 

I honestly think the Ravens beat themselves more then the Pats doing anything to beat them. We've seen Joe have some underthrows this year, but if he fully trusts that Knee, Torrey has a TD on the first play no doubt. I thought once Joe saw that the brace was an issue, he started pressing trying to show that it wouldn't be an issue and he made some uncharacteristic decision. 

 

Another week of playing on that thing and I feel Joe will be fine. He got better as the game went on imo, but it was just too late. A couple 4th down stops and the Tuck miss just killed us. We'll be good next week in Cincy. Again, I don't think they will risk any injury as it just isn't worth it. They are already banged up a bit and why risk more against a team you might be playing just 6-7 short days later?

[I AM LEGEND]

Just saw pats play after us..Bengals will go hard in hopes of getting that 2nd seed.

[FlocksGottaFeed]

This is a great point which seems to be overlooked on the boards. You can bet SD will be checking the scoreboard of our games.  It could serve up an emotional blow.  Rivers tends to be a very emotional (albeit competitive person).  That's why we need to take care of our business. 

 

I never give up until the clock says ZERO.  Neither does my support of this team.  So many people are ready to quit on the team.  If our team gave up when 'it didn't look good' we wouldn't be defending SB champs.  

I'm all in!!! Stay up!

GO Ravens! No surrender.

[PuRock]

I'm all in!!! Stay up!

GO Ravens! No surrender.

 

That's the spirit.  There will be PLENTY of time to talk about the draft and offseason moves if the Ravens do not secure a playoff berth on Sunday.  We still have football to play and anything can happen.  

 

I know if I was out on the field next Sunday, I'm not going down without a fight.  

[Tank 92]

This is a great point which seems to be overlooked on the boards. You can bet SD will be checking the scoreboard of our games.  It could serve up an emotional blow.  Rivers tends to be a very emotional (albeit competitive person).  That's why we need to take care of our business. 

 

I never give up until the clock says ZERO.  Neither does my support of this team.  So many people are ready to quit on the team.  If our team gave up when 'it didn't look good' we wouldn't be defending SB champs.  

 

 

I'm with ya. The Ravens have something to prove after throwing in that clinker and will show up in cincy.

 

 

Go      :argdancingravensblueonwkk8:

[FlocksGottaFeed]

I'm with ya. The Ravens have something to prove after throwing in that clinker and will show up in cincy.

 

 

Go      :argdancingravensblueonwkk8:

No doubt! I don't care what anybody saids - Tank 92 is a baller! Always up! Gotta' appreciate that.

GO Ravens! No surrender.

[Ravensfan23]

Just saw pats play after us..Bengals will go hard in hopes of getting that 2nd seed.

 

I doubt it. I'm not one to hope a team lays down and I personally think the Ravens can beat the Bengals even if they go hard, but I just don't see them fighting hard to win a meaningless game. Yes the 2nd seed is on the line, but even if they win it's a possibly they don't get it.

 

You gotta ask yourself, are you really gonna go all out against a team who you are evenly matched with in hopes of getting a higher seed, when it's possible that win or lose you'll see that same exact team the following week? What's the physique of your team heading into the wildcard round if they just gave their all to beat the Ravens but didn't and now they have to turn right back around and do it again the following week? What if a key player gets hurt? The Bengals have nothing to lose and minimal to gain, while the Ravens have everything to lose and lots to gain. I just can't see Marvin putting his team in that position. 

[rmw10]

I doubt it. I'm not one to hope a team lays down and I personally think the Ravens can beat the Bengals even if they go hard, but I just don't see them fighting hard to win a meaningless game. Yes the 2nd seed is on the line, but even if they win it's a possibly they don't get it.

 

You gotta ask yourself, are you really gonna go all out against a team who you are evenly matched with in hopes of getting a higher seed, when it's possible that win or lose you'll see that same exact team the following week? What's the physique of your team heading into the wildcard round if they just gave their all to beat the Ravens but didn't and now they have to turn right back around and do it again the following week? What if a key player gets hurt? The Bengals have nothing to lose and minimal to gain, while the Ravens have everything to lose and lots to gain. I just can't see Marvin putting his team in that position. 

 

They can also drop a seed though.  I'm sure they'd much rather face the Dolphins/Chargers than the Chiefs.  The Bengals aren't going to lay down.  They still have a reason to play this game.

[Ravensfan23]

They can also drop a seed though.  I'm sure they'd much rather face the Dolphins/Chargers than the Chiefs.  The Bengals aren't going to lay down.  They still have a reason to play this game.

 

But again at what cost. What's the difference between the 3 and the 4 seed. You are still playing a home playoff game. Yes they have reason to play but how much reason? It's not about whether there is something to play for or not, it's about how important is that something to play for? Dropping down to the 4 seed isn't as bad as missing out on the playoffs all together and even if they'd rather face the Dolphins/Chargers at home there is no guarantee they will beat the Ravens.

 

So now you are fighting tooth and nail in a physical division game that is sure to be even more physical with all the Ravens have on the line and if you lose you are right back at it the every next week. Is fighting for a 2 seed, that you probably won't win anyway that important? That's putting your team through something that's unnecessary. imo the smart thing to do would be to take the sure week of rest, rather then fight for a week of rest and still have the possibility of not getting it even with a win. If they were playing the Browns who have nothing to play for then I could see them playing their starters for a half in hopes of getting a lead and just hanging on, but they are playing a team that's fighting for everything. The Ravens Bengals games are already physical to begin with, why risk even the slightest injury when the next week's game is more important regardless of who it is against?

 

Also think about game planing. You are talking about two teams that know each other well, if you are the Bengals why show your hand a week early when you can force the Ravens to do just that. It's not like you're gonna be able to change game plan the very next week. While the Bengals don't have much to lose this week, they could lose a lot next week from something that happens this week and that's just not worth the risk in my book.

[rmw10]

But again at what cost. What's the difference between the 3 and the 4 seed. You are still playing a home playoff game. Yes they have reason to play but how much reason? It's not about whether there is something to play for or not, it's about how important is that something to play for? Dropping down to the 4 seed isn't as bad as missing out on the playoffs all together and even if they'd rather face the Dolphins/Chargers at home there is no guarantee they will beat the Ravens.

 

So now you are fighting tooth and nail in a physical division game that is sure to be even more physical with all the Ravens have on the line and if you lose you are right back at it the every next week. Is fighting for a 2 seed, that you probably won't win anyway that important? That's putting your team through something that's unnecessary. imo the smart thing to do would be to take the sure week of rest, rather then fight for a week of rest and still have the possibility of not getting it even with a win. If they were playing the Browns who have nothing to play for then I could see them playing their starters for a half in hopes of getting a lead and just hanging on, but they are playing a team that's fighting for everything. The Ravens Bengals games are already physical to begin with, why risk even the slightest injury when the next week's game is more important regardless of who it is against?

 

Also think about game planing. You are talking about two teams that know each other well, if you are the Bengals why show your hand a week early when you can force the Ravens to do just that. It's not like you're gonna be able to change game plan the very next week. While the Bengals don't have much to lose this week, they could lose a lot next week from something that happens this week and that's just not worth the risk in my book.

 

If they beat us, the chances are that they get the Dolphins, which are much more beatable than the Chiefs.  If they advance beyond that, they get the beatable Patriots over the high powered Broncos.  It's worth it to win this game.  They aren't going to lay down.  Getting the 3 seed is much more favorable than the 4 seed, especially this year.

 

I'm not a fan of rest unless you have absolutely nothing to play for, like the Chiefs.  The Bengals still do, and I'm willing to bet that they won't lay down or pull their starters.  It's not in their best interest.  The risk of injury is worth the potential of playing a weak 6 seed and a completely sporadic Patriots team.

 

The Bengals won't be facing us either way.  If they win, they take the 3 seed.  If they lose, they take the 4 seed and we take the 6 seed (pending one of Miami or SD loses).  In either instance, they won't face us and the game plan won't matter.

[beanfigger]

It's kind of crazy that all the teams fighting for this last playoff spot needs help. I can't remember the last time no one controlled their own destiny for a playoff spot. I have a hunch the Jets of all teams give us some help. Now, whether or not we take advantage of it is another story.

[PoeDinkum]

If they beat us, the chances are that they get the Dolphins, which are much more beatable than the Chiefs.  If they advance beyond that, they get the beatable Patriots over the high powered Broncos.  It's worth it to win this game.  They aren't going to lay down.  Getting the 3 seed is much more favorable than the 4 seed, especially this year.

 

I'm not a fan of rest unless you have absolutely nothing to play for, like the Chiefs.  The Bengals still do, and I'm willing to bet that they won't lay down or pull their starters.  It's not in their best interest.  The risk of injury is worth the potential of playing a weak 6 seed and a completely sporadic Patriots team.

 

The Bengals won't be facing us either way.  If they win, they take the 3 seed.  If they lose, they take the 4 seed and we take the 6 seed (pending one of Miami or SD loses).  In either instance, they won't face us and the game plan won't matter.

Well stated. I love our Ravens fans, so many are on top of things like this! Let's hope we A) don't beat ourselves AGAIN B) the Bengals aren't as motivated by this strategic advantage BUT not only am I worried by Flacco's knee BUT we all know that the Bengals (under Lewis) would love to punctuate this season by knocking us out of the playoffs.  :tmnt:

[PuRock]

I don't believe the Bengals will rest the Starters.  Here are my two "hopes":

 

1)  Jets get one last motivational win from his players since it might be his last as a Jet.  And you know the players love him.

2)  Ravens win and SD realizes they've been knocked out of the playoffs a few minutes before kick off.  

 

But ofcourse this is all contingent on the Ravens beating Cincy in Cincy.  We've seen this team prevail against tougher odds.  Why not one more time?

[Ravensfan23]

If they beat us, the chances are that they get the Dolphins, which are much more beatable than the Chiefs.  If they advance beyond that, they get the beatable Patriots over the high powered Broncos.  It's worth it to win this game.  They aren't going to lay down.  Getting the 3 seed is much more favorable than the 4 seed, especially this year.

 

I'm not a fan of rest unless you have absolutely nothing to play for, like the Chiefs.  The Bengals still do, and I'm willing to bet that they won't lay down or pull their starters.  It's not in their best interest.  The risk of injury is worth the potential of playing a weak 6 seed and a completely sporadic Patriots team.

 

The Bengals won't be facing us either way.  If they win, they take the 3 seed.  If they lose, they take the 4 seed and we take the 6 seed (pending one of Miami or SD loses).  In either instance, they won't face us and the game plan won't matter.

 

again you are talking about if and playoff posturing that might not even happen. Hell for all of that everybody could lose with the Steelers winning and the Bengals would play the 6 seed Steelers in the wildcard.

 

It's far too many variable and it's just not worth the risk. I know it sounds like I'm some homer that hopes and pray that the Bengals rest, but the smart move is to rest your already banged up team and prepare for what you already know is ahead. You are dealing with a bunch of unknowns and the first comes from the unknown of actually beating the Ravens.

 

I highly doubt that Marvin and his coaches are going into this week banking on ifs. If they win, if they lose if this team wins, the one thing they know for certain is that they are playing at home next week. Why risk that in any way. To posture and say I'd rather face this team over that is a loser's mentality and something that only fans do. That game next week will be tough no matter who it is, Ravens, Dolphins, Chargers, Steelers or Chiefs. Why spend your entire week trying to avoid a team only to face the possibility of facing that team anyway if you lose?

 

Again everything you have suggested has two sides to the coin. If the Bengals win they get the 3 seed, but they could still get the 3 seed if the Colts decide to rest their players and lose the game. At the end of the day, imo the injury risk isn't worth it for the chance to play a more favorable team if everything goes your way. Could you imagine if Dalton got a helmet to the Knee like Flacco or smashed his hand on someone's helmet in a game that ended up meaningless anyway because the Pats won and the Colts loss, leaving the Bengals the 3 seed anyway? But hey it was worth it because at least we fought to try and keep a better seed. I get what you're saying but I just don't see it. I'd personally lose a lot of respect for Marvin as a coach to play his guys in a game where they don't control any. It's just not smart.

 

Also you have the factor of a potential let down because your guys already know they have won the division, they already know they are playing a home playoff game, and the entire team's focus might not be on trying to get a #2 seed. Just look at home sluggish KC was yesterday in a game that if won could have possibly gotten them the #1 seed. Sometimes your players just mentally check out and look ahead. That'd be dangerous for a team with a playoff game to play the very next week.

[rmw10]

again you are talking about if and playoff posturing that might not even happen. Hell for all of that everybody could lose with the Steelers winning and the Bengals would play the 6 seed Steelers in the wildcard.

 

It's far too many variable and it's just not worth the risk. I know it sounds like I'm some homer that hopes and pray that the Bengals rest, but the smart move is to rest your already banged up team and prepare for what you already know is ahead. You are dealing with a bunch of unknowns and the first comes from the unknown of actually beating the Ravens.

 

I highly doubt that Marvin and his coaches are going into this week banking on ifs. If they win, if they lose if this team wins, the one thing they know for certain is that they are playing at home next week. Why risk that in any way. To posture and say I'd rather face this team over that is a loser's mentality and something that only fans do. That game next week will be tough no matter who it is, Ravens, Dolphins, Chargers, Steelers or Chiefs. Why spend your entire week trying to avoid a team only to face the possibility of facing that team anyway if you lose?

 

Again everything you have suggested has two sides to the coin. If the Bengals win they get the 3 seed, but they could still get the 3 seed if the Colts decide to rest their players and lose the game. At the end of the day, imo the injury risk isn't worth it for the chance to play a more favorable team if everything goes your way. Could you imagine if Dalton got a helmet to the Knee like Flacco or smashed his hand on someone's helmet in a game that ended up meaningless anyway because the Pats won and the Colts loss, leaving the Bengals the 3 seed anyway? But hey it was worth it because at least we fought to try and keep a better seed. I get what you're saying but I just don't see it. I'd personally lose a lot of respect for Marvin as a coach to play his game in a game where they don't control any.

 

The point still stands that any of those opponents are going to be a better matchup for the Bengals than the Chiefs, a team that would be the 2 seed if it went by record.  Their chances of getting out of that game against a phenomenal D, a superstar RB, and a QB that doesn't make mistakes is a lot less likely than beating us, the Dolphins, the Chargers, or the Steelers.  All 4 teams fighting for that 6 seed have tons of issues.  There's a reason a 9-7 or even 8-8 team could get in.  Sure, there's also the any given Sunday argument where any team can beat another any week.  But you still have to do all you can to get a favorable matchup.

 

I think it would be absolutely ridiculous to rest starters in that situation.  There's still plenty to play for.  Is there an injury risk?  Sure, but the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl.  The best chance is getting the 3 seed and facing one of the weak 6 seeds, and the Pats over the Broncos.  The Bengals control their destiny.  If they win, they get that spot.  Marvin would be stupid to rest his starters, and take a terrible matchup and/or hope that another team helps him out.

 

The injury risk is worth it.  There's a risk in every game.  It won't stop them. I would chide our team if we took a week off and we had a better opportunity that we bypassed due to an "if" there's an injury situation.

 

But hey, agree to disagree.  I think resting starters would just concede that the Bengals are complacent with making the playoffs, and not looking in the best interests of winning the Super Bowl.

[ratedr]

We're pretty much relying on the Jets.

[Ravensfan23]

The point still stands that any of those opponents are going to be a better matchup for the Bengals than the Chiefs, a team that would be the 2 seed if it went by record.  Their chances of getting out of that game against a phenomenal D, a superstar RB, and a QB that doesn't make mistakes is a lot less likely than beating us, the Dolphins, the Chargers, or the Steelers.  All 4 teams fighting for that 6 seed have tons of issues.  There's a reason a 9-7 or even 8-8 team could get in.  Sure, there's also the any given Sunday argument where any team can beat another any week.  But you still have to do all you can to get a favorable matchup.

 

I think it would be absolutely ridiculous to rest starters in that situation.  There's still plenty to play for.  Is there an injury risk?  Sure, but the ultimate goal is the Super Bowl.  The best chance is getting the 3 seed and facing one of the weak 6 seeds, and the Pats over the Broncos.  The Bengals control their destiny.  If they win, they get that spot.  Marvin would be stupid to rest his starters, and take a terrible matchup and/or hope that another team helps him out.

 

The injury risk is worth it.  There's a risk in every game.  It won't stop them. I would chide our team if we took a week off and we had a better opportunity that we bypassed due to an "if" there's an injury situation.

 

But hey, agree to disagree.  I think resting starters would just concede that the Bengals are complacent with making the playoffs, and not looking in the best interests of winning the Super Bowl.

 

No resting players would be the smartest thing to do. Again, there is no guarantee that you are gonna even win the game. Yes the Ravens got handled yesterday in a game that was a 2 score game in the 4th quarter, but if anyone is thinking that the Bengals see this game as a cake walk you're kidding yourself. So now you are battling toe to toe in a game where there is more risk then reward. All you are looking at is the reward, but the risk is much greater. This team has had 6 concussions in the last 2 weeks. Guys like Whitworth, Newman, Gresham, Harrison and Dunlap where all forced to miss practice leading up to the week 16 game. Why not rest those guys and other to make sure you are at your best regardless of who you play next week. If anyone is hurt in this game and forced to miss practice next week or the game all together that hurts your SB changes more then anything. Again if they were playing the Browns who have nothing to play for then ok, I can see trying to win the game because you already know that you are better then this team. But you are talking about putting your team in an unnecessary playoff like game with minimal reward at the end.

 

What's your motivation to win this game, other then a #2 seed that you might not even get? To avoid KC. Ok you gotta give your team something to fight for, you can't just say hey we are gonna go win this game when some guys are thinking like me and others are thinking like you. So if you are battling to win, just to avoid KC, what happens if you lose to the Ravens, the Colts win and you drop to the #4 seed to play KC anyway. Now how do you get your team pumped up to play the team you just tried so desperately to avoid. You've already loss the game mentally.

[rmw10]

No resting players would be the smartest thing to do. Again, there is no guarantee that you are gonna even win the game. Yes the Ravens got handled yesterday in a game that was a 2 score game in the 4th quarter, but if anyone is thinking that the Bengals see this game as a cake walk you're kidding yourself. So now you are battling toe to toe in a game where there is more risk then reward. All you are looking at is the reward, but the risk is much greater. This team has had 6 concussions in the last 2 weeks. Guys like Whitworth, Newman, Gresham, Harrison and Dunlap where all forced to miss practice leading up to the week 16 game. Why not rest those guys and other to make sure you are at your best regardless of who you play next week. If anyone is hurt in this game and forced to miss practice next week or the game all together that hurts your SB changes more then anything. Again if they were playing the Browns who have nothing to play for then ok, I can see trying to win the game because you already know that you are better then this team. But you are talking about putting your team in an unnecessary playoff like game with minimal reward at the end.

What's your motivation to win this game, other then a #2 seed that you might not even get? To avoid KC. Ok you gotta give your team something to fight for, you can't just say hey we are gonna go win this game when some guys are thinking like me and others are thinking like you. So if you are battling to win, just to avoid KC, what happens if you lose to the Ravens, the Colts win and you drop to the #4 seed to play KC anyway. Now how do you get your team pumped up to play the team you just tried so desperately to avoid. You've already loss the game mentally.

You're still playing for the possibility of the number 2 seed, in addition to the fight for the 3 seed.

But like I said, agree to disagree. I'm not going to change your mind and you won't change mine lol. The only way to know is to see what happens on Sunday!

[Ravensfan23]

The injury risk is worth it.  There's a risk in every game.  It won't stop them. I would chide our team if we took a week off and we had a better opportunity that we bypassed due to an "if" there's an injury situation.

 

 

So are you telling me if we were facing the Steelers, already have the division won, the Steelers are fighting for their season and we have a chance to win the #2 seed only if the Pats lay an egg, you'd want the Ravens to go all out to win. Knowing just how much emotion is put into those games, knowing just how close those games always are, you'd risk injury to a guy like Flacco in hopes of getting a unlikely #2 or avoiding some other team?

 

Or better yet I'll ask you this, how would you feel if much like in the Lions game, Flacco gets hurt and all we have to show for it is a win over the Steelers that sent them home, we kept the #3 seed because the Pats won and Flacco is hobbled all week because of the injury? is that really worth "maybe" getting the 2 see and avoiding the tougher team in the wildcard?

[Ravensfan23]

You're still playing for the possibility of the number 2 seed, in addition to the fight for the 3 seed.

But like I said, agree to disagree. I'm not going to change your mind and you won't change mine lol. The only way to know is to see what happens on Sunday!

 

Very much true but I don't mind a back and forth with you, like I told you before agree or disagree I know your stance always comes from a knowledgeable view and with thought.

 

I just don't think "possibility" is enough reward to risk injury.

[rmw10]

So are you telling me if we were facing the Steelers, already have the division won, the Steelers are fighting for their season and we have a chance to win the #2 seed only if the Pats lay an egg, you'd want the Ravens to go all out to win. Knowing just how much emotion is put into those games, knowing just how close those games always are, you'd risk injury to a guy like Flacco in hopes of getting a unlikely #2 or avoiding some other team?

Or better yet I'll ask you this, how would you feel if much like in the Lions game, Flacco gets hurt and all we have to show for it is a win over the Steelers that sent them home, we kept the #3 seed because the Pats won and Flacco is hobbled all week because of the injury? is that really worth "maybe" getting the 2 see and avoiding the tougher team in the wildcard?

If we're putting our team in the best position to make a run at the Super Bowl, absolutely. I'm of firm belief that starters shouldn't be rested unless there's no chance or moving up or down the rankings. The Bengals are playing to keep the 3 seed, with a slim possibility of gaining the 2 seed. If I can improve my chances of winning the Super Bowl, I'm playing my starters.

[frozen joe flacco fan]

Analyze this! You can dream on if ya think Marvin Lewis will lay down for the Ravens! He will be trying to knock the defending champs out of the playoffs and will probably succeed based on our lackluster performance on Sunday against the Pats. Our coach eschewed a FG in the 3rd quarter and went for it on 4th down. The score was 20-0 at the time. He should have taken the FG. In the 4th quarter, he went for a FG which would have made the score 20-3. We should have gone for it on 4th and 5 at that point. Later, he had to call a TO when we were 3rd & goal to go and our formation gave away that we were throwing on 3rd down. With coaching like that, we have no chance on Sunday. Good luck, Coach, and thanks for giving Q to SF to your little brother. Q just scored another TD on MNF.

 

Our best shot at making the playoffs is having the Dolphins, Pittsburgh, San Diego and us all lose. We looked terrible on both sides of the ball against the Brady Bunch. How could a team with so much on the line look so flat? Its obvious. The Ravens assumed we would beat the Patriots. That's never a good idea. How could a defense coached by a former NE assistant coach play so poorly?

 

If we win on Sunday in Cincy, it will be because there is one guy on the team who won't quit no matter what the score is and his name is FLACCO. Make up your own game plan this week, Joe. The last two have resulted in one TD in two weeks. Maybe we can talk Marty Shottenheimer out of retirement. He was 14-2 when he got a pink slip from the Chargers. But enough with the cheesy motivational blog posts here! If these players and coaches aren't motivated, its too late. Motivation comes from within.       

[redrum52]

This is bs. Bengals 7-0 at home, Ravens 2-5 on road. Beating dreadful Lions on 61 yd fg who just lost to lowly Giants. Flacco is hurt also. I give maybe a 25% chance of winning this game alone. Miami 4-3 at home plays bad Jets road team with Gino Smith at QB. 65chance % or so Miami wins. Then SD plays at home to a Cheifs team who might be sitting players out in a meaningless game. Ravens have in reality a very very slim chance with this scenario. 1 Miami, #2 SD..
Ravens very slightly behind SD in chance to advance. Cant see even close to a 43%.chance of even Beating Bengals on road. Thier season ended with that clunker vs NE.

I have faith the Jeta will at least be playing for Rex that last week. Ita very possible they win, the problem is which Ravens team shows up.

[Guest Mr. Nobody]

Very much true but I don't mind a back and forth with you, like I told you before agree or disagree I know your stance always comes from a knowledgeable view and with thought.

I just don't think "possibility" is enough reward to risk injury.

I kind of agree with you here; there's slim possibility for the patsies to lose on 2nd seed and miami looks a far greater treat for cinci than a gave vs chief would do; miami already beat them once this season, so 4h seed ain't that bad in the grand scheme of things

[Watjalukinat]

You guys are nuts if you think the Bengals will rest anyone except maybe guys like Terrence Newman etc.  If they win (which they are already 7-0 at home and have scored 40+ the last four games at home) and the Patriots lose to a Bills team with a good defense and a division game so not out of the realm of possibility, they can have the 2 seed and not only rest EVERYONE for a week, but then welcome whoever wins the wildcard into a place where they would be 8-0 then. In mid-january. If all that works out, which is a lot, they could be welcoming Indy (dome), Miami or SD (warm weather) into Mid-january Cincinnati cold in a place where they are 8-0. Let alone, if they do snag the 2 seed which means the Pats lose, and say Indy wins and Miami wins. Then you have Chiefs -> Pats and Miami -> Indy.   Winner of Chiefs/Patriots goes to Denver. Winner of Dome/Warm goes to Cincy. They would be downright STUPID to rest starters. All of that aside, Dalton has shown to be streaky, he's had a couple good games now why risk messing with his streak.  Oh yeah, plus Marvin Lewis already said (as he has everytime the Bengals make the playoffs) that he isn't going to rest players. So give it up.

[Watjalukinat]

You guys are nuts if you think the Bengals will rest anyone except maybe guys like Terrence Newman etc.  If they win (which they are already 7-0 at home and have scored 40+ the last four games at home) and the Patriots lose to a Bills team with a good defense and a division game so not out of the realm of possibility, they can have the 2 seed and not only rest EVERYONE for a week, but then welcome whoever wins the wildcard into a place where they would be 8-0 then. In mid-january. If all that works out, which is a lot, they could be welcoming Indy (dome), Miami or SD (warm weather) into Mid-january Cincinnati cold in a place where they are 8-0. Let alone, if they do snag the 2 seed which means the Pats lose, and say Indy wins and Miami wins. Then you have Chiefs -> Pats and Miami -> Indy.   Winner of Chiefs/Patriots goes to Denver. Winner of Dome/Warm goes to Cincy. They would be downright STUPID to rest starters. All of that aside, Dalton has shown to be streaky, he's had a couple good games now why risk messing with his streak.  Oh yeah, plus Marvin Lewis already said (as he has everytime the Bengals make the playoffs) that he isn't going to rest players. So give it up.

[Tank 92]

You guys are nuts if you think the Bengals will rest anyone except maybe guys like Terrence Newman etc.  If they win (which they are already 7-0 at home and have scored 40+ the last four games at home) and the Patriots lose to a Bills team with a good defense and a division game so not out of the realm of possibility, they can have the 2 seed and not only rest EVERYONE for a week, but then welcome whoever wins the wildcard into a place where they would be 8-0 then. In mid-january. If all that works out, which is a lot, they could be welcoming Indy (dome), Miami or SD (warm weather) into Mid-january Cincinnati cold in a place where they are 8-0. Let alone, if they do snag the 2 seed which means the Pats lose, and say Indy wins and Miami wins. Then you have Chiefs -> Pats and Miami -> Indy.   Winner of Chiefs/Patriots goes to Denver. Winner of Dome/Warm goes to Cincy. They would be downright STUPID to rest starters. All of that aside, Dalton has shown to be streaky, he's had a couple good games now why risk messing with his streak.  Oh yeah, plus Marvin Lewis already said (as he has everytime the Bengals make the playoffs) that he isn't going to rest players. So give it up.

 

 

Not sure there's much opinion that the bungles will rest anyone, but they are far from a dependable force of a team regardless of their home record. 

 

Even though the Ravens have a lot of holes right now, I think they right the ship for this one and make it a game, possibly winning. They seldom have played two clunkers in a row and this game is basically their season. I'm not sure the bungles can match the fire and passion of a Championship Team.

[Larryterri]

The official playoff Scenario for the Ravens to make the playoffs:

 

BALTIMORE can clinch a playoff berth with:

1. BAL win + SD loss or tie
2. BAL win + MIA loss or tie
3. BAL tie + MIA loss + SD loss or tie
4. BAL tie + MIA tie + SD loss
5. MIA loss + SD loss + PIT loss or tie

 

Second Scenario is more likely as I feel we can go in and beat the Bengals and the Jets can take care of the Dolphins.

Isnt Tannehill injured?