Path to the playoffs.

[757RavensFan]

With 7 games left to play, 4 of the remaining 6 teams have winning records; DAL, MIA, PHI, NE.  Teams with losing records are CIN(x2) and @PIT. Realistically, we have to win at least 4 games to have a chance.  More than likely the game at PIT will decide who secures a playoff spot.  I don't see a WC coming out of our division this year.  If I had to pick 4 wins I would say; MIA, PHI, CIN, PIT.  

Losing those 4 games in the manner that we did really hurt. 

What is your path to the playoffs?

[Purple_City39]

I may be in the minority but I think we beat Dallas on Sunday.  I can also see a sweep of Pittsburgh, taking at least one from Cincinnati, and beating Miami.  That'd be four, but I can also see a win against Philly depending on their defense, which has been very up and down lately.

There's honestly a case for us winning and losing pretty much every game, expect maybe New England.  I haven't been able to wrap my head around how we can beat them yet. 

[757RavensFan]

2 minutes ago, Purple_City39 said:

I may be in the minority but I think we beat Dallas on Sunday.  I can also see a sweep of Pittsburgh, taking at least one from Cincinnati, and beating Miami.  That'd be four, but I can also see a win against Philly depending on their defense, which has been very up and down lately.

There's honestly a case for us winning and losing pretty much every game, expect maybe New England.  I haven't been able to wrap my head around how we can beat them yet. 

I really like our matchup vs Dallas.  But I think we lose a close one to them. 

[Ravenseconbeast]

All depends on Joe Flacco.  If he screws it up.  We are done.  

We wasted this #1 defense just like Kyle Boller has with our elite D.  Superbowl is there for the taking.  He needs to perform and we can win.   We haven't fought an above average defense opponent yet.  He struggled hard vs. all the possible worse defense in the league, now it's showtime.    

Show up or get canned!  

[VermontRaven]

I think we need to win 2 of 3 division games and 2 others to go to 9-7.  I feel Pitt is the stronger of our division foes, so I think it would really help our chances if 1 of those division wins was at Pitt because it would obviously add another loss to them AND give us the tiebreaker vs. them.  If Pitt beat us, I think we have to sweep Cincy.  I think this is essential because I see the Steelers sweeping Cincy and therefore going 5-1 in division, which would give them the tiebreak (if they beat us)

If we sweep Cincy and Pitt beats us, we need to hope Pitt loses 2 other games, finishes at 9-7, and we win the "Common Games" tiebreaker.  (3rd tiebreak for division ties--1st being head to head, 2nd being division record....http://www.nfl.com/standings/tiebreakingprocedures)

Breaking that down further, currently Pitt is 2-4 in "common games" outside the division...Ws vs. Redskins and Jets--losses to Eagles, Dolphins, Patriots, and Cowboys.  Ravens are 1-3 currently:  W vs. Bills, Ls to Jets, Giants, and Redskins.  Assuming Ravens win 2 of 3 in division and win 2 of the other 4 games, that would most likely put our "Common Games" record at 3-5 (2-2 in remaining "common games" @ Cowboys, vs. Dolphins, @ Patriots, vs. Eagles)

If Steelers beat us and Cincy and lose 2 "other games" to get to 9-7, that puts their "common games" record at either 2-6 or 3-5 (depending who beats them because the have Giants and Bills left as "common game" and Colts left (which is not a common game) outside of the division.  If they finish 2-6 we win the "common games" tiebreak"  If they go 3-5, it then goes to conference record.  Pitt currently has 2 NFC losses (with Giants game left).  We currently have 2 NFC losses (with Cowboys game left) If we tie for division record too, it goes to "strength of victory" and I am not even going to dig into that one at this time!

 

Edited November 14, 2016 by VermontRaven
typo

[Militant X 1]

3 hours ago, Purple_City39 said:

I may be in the minority but I think we beat Dallas on Sunday.  I can also see a sweep of Pittsburgh, taking at least one from Cincinnati, and beating Miami.  That'd be four, but I can also see a win against Philly depending on their defense, which has been very up and down lately.

There's honestly a case for us winning and losing pretty much every game, expect maybe New England.  I haven't been able to wrap my head around how we can beat them yet. 

Believe it or not...I'm with you on this PC.

The Ravens are 4-0 against the Cowboys overall.  Although their O-line is a juggernaut, our run defense is pretty stout as well and I believe that it will give Zeke fits.  If...and to me that is a very big "IF"...our offense can get off to a quick, consistent and efficient start, our O-line can keep Joe upright and protected and then Joe himself protects the football....we will have a good chance of shocking the world and bringing home the "W" and preventing the Cowboys from sweeping the AFC North.

I also hope that they don't get caught up in all of the hype of the Cowboys and become "Star struck" of being in Jerry's World for the first time.  Go handle your business boys!  Maintaining the AFC North lead is at stake!

GO RAVENS!!

[jboy19]

I think Miami is going to be a harder game than people think. Their strengths align with the Ravens' weaknesses. If the OL is still unsettled, which it appears it is going to be for the rest of the season, the Dolphins' DL could tear it to shreds. Their biggest weakness is in the secondary, but without protection, I'm not sure the Ravens can rely on their passing game as much. The Miami offense is a mixed bag. They have young talent and a good OL. Offensively, I feel like they have a lot of similarities to the Raiders. Yeah Tannehill isn't as good as Carr and the receivers are a step behind Crabtree and Cooper, but I still view Miami as a really difficult game. 

I honestly am unsure what to predict out of the last stretch, but I don't think it'll be pretty. Never know if the Ravens will lose to teams they should beat and beat teams that they should lose to. The AFC North opponents are going to be desperate and will be playing hard and it looks like every other team we play will be fighting to get into the playoffs. 

[VermontRaven]

28 minutes ago, jboy19 said:

I think Miami is going to be a harder game than people think. Their strengths align with the Ravens' weaknesses. If the OL is still unsettled, which it appears it is going to be for the rest of the season, the Dolphins' DL could tear it to shreds. Their biggest weakness is in the secondary, but without protection, I'm not sure the Ravens can rely on their passing game as much. The Miami offense is a mixed bag. They have young talent and a good OL. Offensively, I feel like they have a lot of similarities to the Raiders. Yeah Tannehill isn't as good as Carr and the receivers are a step behind Crabtree and Cooper, but I still view Miami as a really difficult game. 

I honestly am unsure what to predict out of the last stretch, but I don't think it'll be pretty. Never know if the Ravens will lose to teams they should beat and beat teams that they should lose to. The AFC North opponents are going to be desperate and will be playing hard and it looks like every other team we play will be fighting to get into the playoffs. 

I don't think this statement is true with the Dolphins Offense vs. Ravens defense (I haven't watched enough of the Dolphins to comment on their strength/weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball)

The Dolphins offense has taken off once they found their running game with Ajayi.  I think we take Ajayi out of the game with our #1 rush defense, and I like our chances with Tannehill being forced to throw more than he'd like.  Much like the Dallas game...but I fear Dak and the Cowboys receivers more than Tannehill and the Dolphins receivers...not to mention the Miami game is @ Baltimore, where the Cowboys game is @ Dallas.

Again-not saying this will be an easy win because the Dolphins are looking pretty good the last few weeks, but I think we do match up well with them, much like we match up well vs. the Cowboys.

[Tru11]

win the division.

quite possible with our defense and special teams unit.

just need an at least avg offense to help out.

an above avg to good offense would be nice though.

[PurpleCity5]

Not really much of a chance we get to playoffs as a 5th or 6th seed. We'll need to win the division, which we haven't done since 2012, so its way overdue.

I personally think that we're going to have to beat some quality teams right now. Teams like the Cowboys/Patriots and Eagles because the Bengals/Steelers haven't beaten either the Cowboys or the Patriots and I do think Cincinnati is prone to losing to Philly. Steelers got demolished by the Eagles so that's a team we surely need to beat if they take out Cincy. If we beat one of the two teams: Cowboys or Patriots and beat the Eagles, then I think that we got the division. Even if we drop one against Cincy and Pitt. Of course we'll have to beat the Bengals once this year.

[usmccharles]

3 hours ago, Militant X 1 said:

Believe it or not...I'm with you on this PC.

The Ravens are 4-0 against the Cowboys overall.  Although their O-line is a juggernaut, our run defense is pretty stout as well and I believe that it will give Zeke fits.  If...and to me that is a very big "IF"...our offense can get off to a quick, consistent and efficient start, our O-line can keep Joe upright and protected and then Joe himself protects the football....we will have a good chance of shocking the world and bringing home the "W" and preventing the Cowboys from sweeping the AFC North.

I also hope that they don't get caught up in all of the hype of the Cowboys and become "Star struck" of being in Jerry's World for the first time.  Go handle your business boys!  Maintaining the AFC North lead is at stake!

GO RAVENS!!

I just don't see us being able to best Dallas without getting any pressure.   Their oline is great and our pass rush is average at best,  not a good combo.   We may be able to keep elliot in check but dak is going to have plenty of time in the pocket.  

[jboy19]

1 hour ago, VermontRaven said:

I don't think this statement is true with the Dolphins Offense vs. Ravens defense (I haven't watched enough of the Dolphins to comment on their strength/weaknesses on the defensive side of the ball)

The Dolphins offense has taken off once they found their running game with Ajayi.  I think we take Ajayi out of the game with our #1 rush defense, and I like our chances with Tannehill being forced to throw more than he'd like.  Much like the Dallas game...but I fear Dak and the Cowboys receivers more than Tannehill and the Dolphins receivers...not to mention the Miami game is @ Baltimore, where the Cowboys game is @ Dallas.

Again-not saying this will be an easy win because the Dolphins are looking pretty good the last few weeks, but I think we do match up well with them, much like we match up well vs. the Cowboys.

I was focusing more on the Ravens Offense v Dolphins Defense, and I do think you're right, but as far as the Ravens' defense goes, they've struggled tremendously when they haven't been able to get pressure and Miami definitely has one of the better OLs that the team will see. I think watching how the D plays against Dallas is going to be big.

Miami has had some good showings against good defenses. I think that the Chargers, Jets and Bills are all above average defenses, and though I think that the Ravens defense is better than those, I still think this could be an ugly game. 

[Ravenseconbeast]

26 minutes ago, PurpleCity5 said:

Not really much of a chance we get to playoffs as a 5th or 6th seed. We'll need to win the division, which we haven't done since 2012, so its way overdue.

I personally think that we're going to have to beat some quality teams right now. Teams like the Cowboys/Patriots and Eagles because the Bengals/Steelers haven't beaten either the Cowboys or the Patriots and I do think Cincinnati is prone to losing to Philly. Steelers got demolished by the Eagles so that's a team we surely need to beat if they take out Cincy. If we beat one of the two teams: Cowboys or Patriots and beat the Eagles, then I think that we got the division. Even if we drop one against Cincy and Pitt. Of course we'll have to beat the Bengals once this year.

You know we always have some say about bengals & steelers.

Im still amazed browns cant get over the hump.  

how can they land so little on draft with so many draft picks&value?

thank our FO/Ozzie.   Glad they dont have em'!

[reed20]

W - Cowboys

W - Bengals

W - Dolphins

L - Patriots

W - Eagles

W - Steelers

W - Bengals

 

11-5 AFCN Champs

[Ravenseconbeast]

5 minutes ago, reed20 said:

W - Cowboys

W - Bengals

W - Dolphins

L - Patriots

W - Eagles

W - Steelers

W - Bengals

 

11-5 AFCN Champs

With that record we might even land a bye at this point...

[757RavensFan]

45 minutes ago, usmccharles said:

I just don't see us being able to best Dallas without getting any pressure.   Their oline is great and our pass rush is average at best,  not a good combo.   We may be able to keep elliot in check but dak is going to have plenty of time in the pocket.  

The Steelers are almost dead last in team sacks and I think they sacked Dack at least 3 times last night.  Our front seven is definitely better than PITs.  We should be able to get some pressure on Dack if the Steelers can. 

[usmccharles]

2 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

The Steelers are almost dead last in team sacks and I think they sacked Dack at least 3 times last night.  Our front seven is definitely better than PITs.  We should be able to get some pressure on Dack if the Steelers can. 

Good point.  I didn't watch that game, I think if we can pressure him to getting out of the pocket quicker a lot of the game that will lead to a turnover or two.  I'm excited for this game.. 

[757RavensFan]

30 minutes ago, reed20 said:

W - Cowboys

W - Bengals

W - Dolphins

L - Patriots

W - Eagles

W - Steelers

W - Bengals

 

11-5 AFCN Champs

While I would love for this to be true. I just can't see it.  I would be happy if we finish the season 4-3. 

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

I see wins coming at MIA, PHI, and one against CIN for sure.

That means if we pull one from DAL or NE, or can sweep one of Pitt or Cinci - i think we're in.

 

Gotta win the ones we should, and pull out one that we probably wont be favored in.

 

[January J]

I think we almost HAVE to sneak a win vs either Dallas or new england. Then we have to atleast split with the Bengals and beat Miami and philly. That jets loss really hurt us. 

I think we have a great shot against Dallas. Not only do we match up with them well but they are coming off a hard physical battle vs Pittsburgh and we will have had 10 days rest. Dak is gonna eventually drop a stinker. they are due for a loss- All we gotta do is stop Zeke.

[757RavensFan]

1 minute ago, January J said:

I think we almost HAVE to sneak a win vs either Dallas or new england. Then we have to atleast split with the Bengals and beat Miami and philly. That jets loss really hurt us. 

I think we have a great shot against Dallas. Not only do we match up with them well but they are coming off a hard physical battle vs Pittsburgh and we will have had 10 days rest. Dak is gonna eventually drop a stinker. they are due for a loss- All we gotta do is stop Zeke.

No small task. 

[January J]

26 minutes ago, 757RavensFan said:

No small task. 

No kidding. That kid is something else. 

[rmcjacket23]

41 minutes ago, January J said:

I think we almost HAVE to sneak a win vs either Dallas or new england. Then we have to atleast split with the Bengals and beat Miami and philly. That jets loss really hurt us. 

I think we have a great shot against Dallas. Not only do we match up with them well but they are coming off a hard physical battle vs Pittsburgh and we will have had 10 days rest. Dak is gonna eventually drop a stinker. they are due for a loss- All we gotta do is stop Zeke.

Well lets be real here... I don't think we are going to hold Dallas to like 50 yards rushing. They may very well end up with like 100-125 rushing yards or possibly more... wouldn't surprise me.

You've just got to be solid in the red zone and play disciplined. Can't be giving up 85 yard screen passes for TDs or giving up 20+ yard runs like Pittsburgh did multiple times.

And our offense can't lay an egg. You're not going to win this game putting up 13 points. 

[Sherly_Tebow]

9-7 gets this division for us...

Ravens (5-4) to (9-7)

win: Dolphins, Bengals x2, Eagles

lose: Patriots, Cowboys, Steelers

Steelers (4-5) to (9-7)

win: Browns x2, Colts, Giants, Ravens

lose: Bengals, Bills,

Bengals (3-4-1) to (7-8-1)

win: Steelers, Browns, Texans, Bills

lose: Ravens x2, Giants, Eagles

 

[Militant X 1]

2 hours ago, rmcjacket23 said:

Well lets be real here... I don't think we are going to hold Dallas to like 50 yards rushing. They may very well end up with like 100-125 rushing yards or possibly more... wouldn't surprise me.

You've just got to be solid in the red zone and play disciplined. Can't be giving up 85 yard screen passes for TDs or giving up 20+ yard runs like Pittsburgh did multiple times.

And our offense can't lay an egg. You're not going to win this game putting up 13 points. 

And that's the main concern for me in this game.

[Wildabeast88]

On November 14, 2016 at 7:21 AM, Purple_City39 said:

I may be in the minority but I think we beat Dallas on Sunday.  I can also see a sweep of Pittsburgh, taking at least one from Cincinnati, and beating Miami.  That'd be four, but I can also see a win against Philly depending on their defense, which has been very up and down lately.

There's honestly a case for us winning and losing pretty much every game, expect maybe New England.  I haven't been able to wrap my head around how we can beat them yet. 

Easy resign Bernard Pollard the Patriot killer. He has taken out Brady, Welker and Gronk that is the key. Seriously you must hit Brady that is it and busting up Gronk doesn't hurt either. 

[K-Dog]

Is he even playing anymore ?

[FlocksGottaFeed]

On 11/14/2016 at 4:02 PM, January J said:

I think we almost HAVE to sneak a win vs either Dallas or new england. Then we have to atleast split with the Bengals and beat Miami and philly. That jets loss really hurt us. 

I think we have a great shot against Dallas. Not only do we match up with them well but they are coming off a hard physical battle vs Pittsburgh and we will have had 10 days rest. Dak is gonna eventually drop a stinker. they are due for a loss- All we gotta do is stop Zeke.

I would prefer that the after game headlines read "The Ravens Snatch the Hearts Out of the Cowboys & Patriots on Their Way to the Playoffs". I mean really. If (for me when) we beat these teams why is it 'sneak'? If any of these so-called "Monsters of the Gridiron" narrowly win games against teams we've dominated or should have beaten (without a few things going against us) it's never said that they 'sneaked-out' a victory (Pittsburgh - Giants - Washington) although they clearly have in some cases.

There hasn't been a game yet that we haven't been competitive in even going back to 2015. So, if and when we do win games let's stop tip-toeing around it. We simply beat teams when we win (period). Somebody's got to change the narrative. If we don't (fans) then who?

GO Ravens!!!

p.s. - When we beat the Cheatriots this time let's snatch the heart out, deflate it and feed it to the crows. (smiling right now)

 

[JoeyFlex5]

i feel really good about our chances against the cowboys. i am cautiously optimistic about this team because i really dont know which team we'll be fielding, the good one or the bad one, and jimmy smith being doubtful REALLY hurts, dez could have a field day against us, if there was any player who couldnt get hurt this week its him, so that really sucks. we honestly would be better off with joe sitting on the freaking bench this week than jimmy, but i still feel good about it. whether we have dez strapped or not, i think if we make them 1-dimensional, which none of the inferior run defenses have done to them thus far, then dak cant beat us with him arm. we are the team to finally stop their run game, i just feel it. 

 

if we beat the cowboys, the fire is lit and we lose 1 game for the rest of the year, and thats @NE, which will be a nailbiter. 

get healthy and get hot, finish 11-5. hopefully jimmys back is just a random flare up and it isnt a nagging issue

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

On 11/14/2016 at 3:58 PM, usmccharles said:

Good point.  I didn't watch that game, I think if we can pressure him to getting out of the pocket quicker a lot of the game that will lead to a turnover or two.  I'm excited for this game.. 

Yea Dallas OL is a beast run blocking unit... but not nearly as great pass blocking. 

If we can stop the run early and often, and get an early lead to force them into being more one dimensional - I think Suggs, Jernigan, Judon and co should be able to hit Dak. 

I like our chances. And if we win this one, we could really carry the momentum and rattle off a nice win streak. 

9-7 or 10-6 record and we win the AFCN. 

 

But for now just one game at a time. Gotta beat the team in front of us.