Ravens could be formidable playoff foe thanks to defence
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 (p lus -17) . That the offence is substan- dard 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 (No. 11 in AP Pro32) is a 101/2 point choice over Indy (No. 30). Could be a shutout. RAVENS, 22-3
Knockout league tip
The Saints came through for those still alive, and the best team we have left is Carolina.
Week 16
No. 14 Seattle (plus 31/2) at No. 13 Dallas — Cowboys are coming on, Zeke is back, Seahawks are reeling. BEST BET: COWBOYS, 27-20
No. 31 New York Giants (plus 31/2) at No. 22 Arizona — Not with a lot of conviction, but we have to pick one ... UPSET SPECIAL: GIANTS, 19-17
No. 18 Green Bay (plus 81/2) at No. 3 Minnesota, Saturday
— Vikings touting idea of playing in as well as hosting Super Bowl. VIKINGS, 30-16
No. 9 Atlanta ( plus 51/2) at No. 6 (tie) New Orleans — Winner clinches playoff berth, adds strength to its NFC South standing. SAINTS, 30-27
No. 28 Tampa Bay ( plus 10) at No. 6 ( tie) Carolina — Dangerous Panthers are in playoffs with victory. PANTHERS, 33-16
No. 5 Los Angeles Rams (minus 4) at No. 16 Tennessee
— Titans playing at their worst just when they need to be good.
RAMS, 26-17
No. 8 Jacksonville ( minus 5) at No. 23 San Francisco — Jaguars secure AFC South, but Jimmy G makes it tight. JAGUARS, 20-17
No. 21 Miami (plus 9) at No. 10 Kansas City — AFC West still belongs to Chiefs, despite midseason hiatus. CHIEFS, 23-16
No. 17 Los Angeles Chargers (minus 81/2) at No. 24 (tie) New York Jets — AFC wild card still in reach, though Chargers need help. CHARGERS, 28-22
No. 15 Buffalo (plus 12) at No. 1 New England — Last team Bills needed to see while still in wild- card contention. PATRIOTS, 27-20
No. 2 Pittsburgh (minus 71/2) at No. 27 Houston, Monday — Santa’s gift to Steelers fans: more Terrible Towels to wave. STEELERS, 30-10
No. 20 Oakland (plus 7) at No. 4 Philadelphia, Monday — Santa’s gift to Eagles fans: home-field advantage throughout NFC playoffs. EAGLES, 30-26
No. 12 Detroit (minus 3) at No. 26 Cincinnati — Bengals have mailed it in, Lions still in chase. LIONS, 27-13
No. 24 ( tie) Denver ( plus 31/2) at No. 19 Washington — Broncos have won two straight. They were against Jets and Colts.
REDSKINS, 23-21
No. 32 Cleveland ( plus 7) at No. 29 Chicago — We know what you want. Pro Picks got it right in Week 15 of 2016. Sorry ...
BEARS, 16-10 Against spread (8-6-1). Straight up (13-3)
Against spread (104-102-9). Straight up: (141-81)
9-6 against spread, 10-5 straight up. 9-6 against spread, 9-6 straight up
2017 RECORD Last week Season totals
Best bet Upset special