GAME DAY - NOT : So a day to watch football without the emotional attachments that add years. Those who participate in Fantasy Football will still be locked in on the action, but at this point of the season I focus on the Division games. The main discussion this week has been the [impossible] route that the Ravens have to take to make the playoffs. People have declared that they must end up 10-6, and that may not even get there. Others point to a possibility of sliding in at 9-7. Either way, the team has to go either 7-2 or 6-3 to reach those goals. Based on the 3-4 start, many simply throw up their hands and look to next years draft. I look at a season in pieces. The hole they are in is not helpful, but they have the opportunity to make some progress if the focus is at 3-game portions. Going 2-1 in each of those will meet the 9-7 mark, and this game of inches can get an extra one at any time. I do not look to the Wild Card race since it is too early. Taking out the Division leaders right now, there are eight teams with records of 3-4 or higher. Too much can happen between now and the final regular season game to even look at the tie-breakers. So looking at the Division only, the Ravens are two games back of the Bengals and tied in the Division. Since they are off today, the Ravens will have some changes to their standing without any control; but still have four division games left in the season. The next three games are the Browns/Bengals/Bears. The first two are critical since they in the Division. The third could involve a team without the starting QB. The goal of 2-1 is reasonable in that stretch (and maybe even 3-0). There are two away games built in there, so it could be a concern. The three after that are the Jets/Steelers/Vikings; all at home. The first two will be challenges, but I give the Ravens the nod with the home flavor. The last three are the Lions/Patriots/Bengals and that may be the toughest stretch. Two are away and this team is an enigma in the regular season in those contests. The last one could decide the Division and they could play up for that. If they can snatch victories in the earlier stretches, they may have room for error. Knowing this team though, I expect to be on pins-and-needles all the way until the last game. The Division title should be the goal so that who else is running for the WC does not matter. Right now, I am hopeful that they can right this ship. If they play like they have done so far, they are 8-8 and skip this years playoffs - for the first time under Harbaugh/Flacco/Rice. I am confident that they can fight hard right up until the last 00:00. GO RAVENS !!!
Posted on: Sun, 27 Oct 2013 13:59:34 +0000
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