Defence makes Ravens legitimate playoff threat
League-high 33 takeaways a winning formula
There are some folks in the AFC who shudder at the thought of facing the Ravens’ defence in the playoffs.
That’s understandable, given Baltimore’s propensity for takeaways ( league- high 33) and its turnover margin (plus-17). That the offence is substandard tends to get ignored a bit, particularly if Terrell Suggs, C. J. Mosley and Matthew Judon are in an opposing quarterback’s face all day.
Should the Ravens (8- 6) win out, something they have a very strong chance of doing by facing Indianapolis on Saturday, then Cincinnati to close the schedule, they could be a formidable foe in January.
Baltimore is 58-20 at home during the regular season in coach John Harbaugh’s 10- year run, including 15-7 in December. The Colts ( 3-11) are one of the league’s worst teams, ravaged by injuries and insufficient talent. They are 1- 6 on the road.
Baltimore is a 10½-point choice over Indy. Could be a shutout.
Ravens, 22-3 Seattle (+ 3 ½ ) at Dallas Cowboys are coming on, Zeke is back, Seahawks are reeling. Best Bet: Cowboys, 27-20 New York Giants (+ 3 ½ ) at Arizona Not with a lot of conviction, but we have to pick one ... Upset Special: Giants, 19-17 Green Bay (+ 8 ½ ) at Minnesota, Saturday Vikings touting idea of playing in as well as hosting Super Bowl. Vikings, 30-16 Atlanta (+ 5 ½ ) at ( tie) New Orleans
Winner clinches playoff berth, adds strength to its NFC South standing. Saints, 30-27
Tampa Bay (+10) at ( tie) Carolina
Dangerous Panthers are in play- offs with victory. Panthers, 33-16
Los Angeles Rams (- 4) at Tennessee
Titans playing at their worst just when they need to be good. Rams, 26-17
Jacksonville (- 5) at San Francisco
Jaguars secure AFC South, but Jimmy G makes it tight.
Jaguars, 20-17
Miami (+ 9) at Kansas City
AFC West belongs to Chiefs, despite midseason hiatus.
Chiefs, 23-16
Los Angeles Chargers (- 8 ½ ) at New York Jets
AFC wild card still in reach, though Chargers need help.
Chargers, 28-22
Buffalo (+12) at New England
Last team Bills needed to see while still in wild-card contention.
Patriots, 27-20
Pittsburgh (-7 ½ ) at Houston, Monday
Santa’s gift to Steelers fans: more Terrible Towels to wave.
Steelers, 30-10
Oakland (+7) at Philadelphia, Monday
Santa’s gift to Eagles fans: homefield advantage throughout NFC playoffs.
Eagles, 30-26 Detroit (-3) at Cincinnati Bengals have mailed it in, Lions still in chase. Lions, 27-13 Denver (+ 3 ½ ) at Washington Broncos have won two straight. They were against Jets and Colts. Washington, 23-21 Cleveland (+7) at Chicago We know what you want. Sorry ... Bears, 16-10 Last week: Against spread ( 8- 6-1). Straight up (13-3) Season Totals: Against spread (104102-9). Straight up: (141-81) Best Bet: 9- 6 against spread, 10- 5 straight up. Upset special: 9- 6 against spread, 9- 6 straight up