Ravens Possible Playoff Opponents

by Bruce Raffel on Jan 4, 2012 10:00 AM EST

The Baltimore Ravens will relax over the next week and wait to see who will advance to the Divisional Round of the playoffs and be their next opponent on Sunday, January 15th at 1pm. Of the five other teams in the AFC playoffs, only the Houston Texans, Denver Broncos or the Pittsburgh Steelers could be the sacrificial lamb to come to M&T Bank Stadium.

The Texans host the Cincinnati Bengals and the Broncos host the Steelers to determine who goes on to face the New England Patriots and who comes to Baltimore the following weekend. The Ravens swept the AFC North this season and combined with their win over the Houston Texans, have beaten the teams in the AFC playoffs five times and if you include the NFC's San Francisco 49ers, they won six of their 12 games against teams who made the post season this year.

Click on the 'Jump' to see the NFL Preview for the Texans-Bengals and Broncos-Steelers games this weekend. As far as Ravens fans rooting interests go, the best results would be for Denver to beat Pittsburgh, which would then mean either the Broncos or the Texans would be coming here the following week. So this weekend, we should all become fans of the Denver Broncos and the Houston Texans!

(Also check out Red Turtle's FanPost titled "A Guide To Bye Week Cheering")

CINCINNATI BENGALS (9-7) at HOUSTON TEXANS (10-6) (Saturday, NBC, 4:30 PM ET)

The 2011 postseason starts on Saturday when the Bengals visit the Texans. The game can be the first postseason game in the Super Bowl era in which two rookie quarterbacks – Cincinnati’s ANDY DALTON and Houston’s T.J. YATES – start against each other.

The Bengals, led by head coach MARVIN LEWIS, have qualified for the postseason twice in the past three seasons. Quarterback Dalton (3,398 yards), a native of Katy, Texas, and wide receiver A.J. GREEN (1,057) teamed to become the first rookie tandem in NFL history with a 3,000-yard passer and 1,000-yard receiver.

"We’re one of the 12 teams left," says Cincinnati defensive tackle DOMATA PEKO. "Now that we’re in the playoffs, we have to prove that we belong. We want to hold that trophy up at the end of the year. It starts this week in Houston."

The Texans qualified for the postseason for the first time in franchise history and claimed the team’s first division title. Houston boasted one of the league’s top defenses, ranking second in total defense (285.7 yards per game), third in pass defense (189.7) and fourth in rush defense (96.0). The Texans and Baltimore Ravens were the only teams to rank in the top five in all three categories.

"The Bengals are a heck of a team," says Houston head coach GARY KUBIAK. "They’re a lot like us. They’ve been playing a young quarterback, they run the ball well and they play good defense. This is going to be a heck of a game."

The teams met in Cincinnati in Week 14 when Yates threw a six-yard touchdown pass to KEVIN WALTER with two seconds remaining in the Texans’ 20-19 come-from-behind victory. Yates can be the first rookie quarterback drafted in the fifth round or later to start a postseason game in the era of the common draft.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS (12-4) at DENVER BRONCOS (8-8) (Sunday, CBS, 4:30 PM ET)

The Steelers and Broncos have met six times in the postseason with the teams splitting the series 3-3. The winner has advanced to the Super Bowl in five of those meetings, including Super Bowl wins in the past two (1997 and 2005).

The Steelers enter the postseason having won 10 of their final 12 games, including six of their past seven. Quarterback BEN ROETHLISBERGER had 4,077 passing yards and has recorded the only two 4,000-yard seasons in franchise history. Defensively, Pittsburgh led the NFL in total defense (271.8 yards per game) and passing defense (171.9).

"Any time you’re in the postseason, you’re happy to be there," says Steelers tight end HEATH MILLER. "We have a good core group of guys who have been there before. We know what to expect. We’ll be up to the challenge."

The Broncos went from worst-to-first in the AFC West, winning the division after finishing in last place a season ago. Denver, which used a six-game winning streak to get back in the race, is the fifth team in NFL history to reach the postseason after starting 2-5 or worse after seven games. Second-year quarterback TIM TEBOW won seven of his 11 starts for the Broncos, including all six wins during the club’s winning streak.

"We’re AFC West champions," says Broncos head coach JOHN FOX. "Once you get into the dance, they can’t kick you out, so what we do with it will be determined next weekend."

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Comments

Ideally: Cincy beats Houston, and then travels to New England and pulls off the upset there. Meanwhile Denver ‘Tebows’ the Steelers, and then travels to Baltimore to get sent packing. Leaving Cincy returning to M & T for the AFCCG.

Realistically: Houston relies on their D and run game to defeat the Bengals, while Pittsburgh picks apart the Broncos. Resulting in the Texans’ post season run ending in Baltimore the following week, while Big Ben returns to New England and beats up the Pats once again. Therefore the AFCCG will be round 3 of Pit vs Baltimore, but at M & T (where we remain undefeated).

by StuckInUtah on Jan 4, 2012 10:13 AM EST via mobile reply actions

I normally would think

that the Steelers could beat NE but not this year. Pitt is hurting in so many places and they will have a hard time dealing with Gronk and Brady. So will we, but we are healthier and better prepared to beat the Pats than Pitt is.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Jan 4, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions

Oh ye of little faith Bruce. I’ll bet you $1 the Steelers will best the Pats if they play each other in the post season.

by StuckInUtah on Jan 4, 2012 12:42 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Lol that’s funny. Because I normally would think the Steelers couldn’t beat NE, But I think they could this year. Other than Lewis, who should be back by the time that game could take place, none of the major injuries are to positions that would kill us against NE. It’s all on the offensive side. We don’t run much anyway, and NE has no pass rush, and an awful secondary
Gronk and Brady…yeah, obviously they could be a problem..but to me, this is the best shot we have ever had against them.

That said, i do think you guys are better prepared overall to beat them

This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.

It smells like seven layers....that beaver eats Taco Bell.

by FrankWyt on Jan 4, 2012 10:47 PM EST up reply actions

My prediction:

You beat Denver and NE.
Houston beats Cincy.
We beat Cincy and you.
(Final prediction left blank for superstitious purposes.)

I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR

by jackmca on Jan 5, 2012 9:16 AM EST up reply actions

FTFY.

We beat ~~Cincy~~ Houston and you.

You come at the king, you best not miss.

by organizedchaos52 on Jan 5, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions

If Denver has any chance

they would need Miller to be 100%. Is he still banged up? If the Bronco defense can get pressure on Ben and contain Redman the game could be close. In the end though I think Tebow is too much of a liability. Even if Willis has success running the ball turnovers are killers and the Steelers know how to create turnovers.

You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?

by Dynamo38 on Jan 4, 2012 10:48 AM EST reply actions

Broncos need TO's

and perhaps an injury to Ben to pull of a gigantic upset.

aka 'Rexx'

by Bruce Raffel on Jan 4, 2012 12:06 PM EST up reply actions

It’ll be an interesting game. Can’t forget that Den has homefield advantage. In that weather + altitude I think it’ll be closer than what odds makers or experts say. Den has a really good defense and Pitt will be a bit hobbled coming into it. I don’t expect either team to make waves in the running game and it’ll be come down to who hits a few receivers w/ out making a lot of mistakes. With Ben not being 100% and hurting to move the pocket it’s going to be interesting to see if Pitt tries to hit underneath quick stuff instead of long developing downfield stuff. I expect Miller will play, I think it’s just a thumb injury.
In short, I think this will be like one of our AFCN matchups. Close, and whoever makes the least mistakes and gets one or two big plays wins.

"Don't throw it, don't throw it, don't throw it. I know y'all going to throw it, they going to throw it anyway. I wouldn't throw it. Don't do it." - Ed Reed

You say tomato, I say tomahto. You say Six, I say Sweep.

by WestminsterRaven on Jan 4, 2012 12:58 PM EST up reply actions

The wildcard for the Steelers is Ryan Clark’s back up. Clark was the leading tackler for the Steelers. Will his back up be able to play run defense as well as him? Will Troy and the back up play in sync? There could be some blown coverages that Tebow may be able to exploit. Wait, nevermind about the Tebow and exploiting comment.

daytime commentator. night time ninja.

by El.Dude on Jan 4, 2012 2:39 PM EST up reply actions

A lot of people firmly believe that Mundy could be a starter on about 25 other teams right now. Not guaranteeing he’ll be awesome Sunday..just saying..he’s pretty good for a backup.

This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.

It smells like seven layers....that beaver eats Taco Bell.

by FrankWyt on Jan 4, 2012 10:53 PM EST up reply actions

Yeah and I don’t expect Tim Tebow to be the guy to expose Mundy.

I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR

by jackmca on Jan 5, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions

Have the Steelers started causing turnovers again?

I know they had very few halfway through the season…

You come at the king, you best not miss.

by organizedchaos52 on Jan 4, 2012 1:29 PM EST up reply actions

I don’t believe so. I think they are still struggling there.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jan 4, 2012 1:38 PM EST up reply actions

yes…as I pointed out up there….HORRIBLE! 15 total for the year. How a team with a -13 to differential can go 12-4, I’ll never be able to comprehend.

This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.

It smells like seven layers....that beaver eats Taco Bell.

by FrankWyt on Jan 4, 2012 10:55 PM EST up reply actions

and 12-2 apart from your one rival who knows you best.

I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR

by jackmca on Jan 5, 2012 9:18 AM EST up reply actions

and the Steelers know how to create turnovers.

Really? I’m glad you are giving them respect off their reputation, but this year they have 15 total turnovers if I’m not mistaken
only 3 more Int’s than the worst team in the league
only 3 more FF’s than the worst team in the league
only 1 more FR’s than the worst team in the league

Yeah..turnovers aren’t our thang this year

This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.

It smells like seven layers....that beaver eats Taco Bell.

by FrankWyt on Jan 4, 2012 10:52 PM EST up reply actions

only 3 more FF’s than ~~the worst team in the league~~ Suggs

by DT711 on Jan 5, 2012 7:19 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

NICE

I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR

by jackmca on Jan 5, 2012 9:19 AM EST up reply actions

lol you freaking serious? wow….

This is the problem with the Flacco hate, people don’t really know who he is as a person. - Mr. Malor. Crazy Raven fan/possible stalker.

by FrankWyt on Jan 5, 2012 7:53 PM EST up reply actions

lol wow that’s pretty awesome. Didn’t realize that.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jan 5, 2012 8:16 PM EST up reply actions

Even with a 3 game losing streak to end the regular season

I think the Texans at home beat the Bengals. Cinci has shown (as recently as this past weekend) they are vulnerable against the run. Looking at the matchups objectively as a football fan, if Ray Rice ran for nearly 200 yds then it stands to reason Foster should also have a big day. I also just can’t ignore the goose egg Cinci has put up this season against teams that have made the playoffs. Throw in home field advantage and I think that’s the tipping point.

You like Thai? Tie good. You like shirt?

by Dynamo38 on Jan 4, 2012 2:10 PM EST reply actions

Agreed. I have the same feeling. Texans have problems at QB, but they also have arguably a top 3 or 4 back along with the best O line in football IMO. That defense is solid and even if the QB situation is bad they have a top 3 WR to throw it too and a very good TE in Owen Daniels. Unless they really lose the turnover battle I like Houston as well.

On Ed Reed:
"I’ve told him to his face many times, ‘You’re the greatest safety ever to play the game,’"
"We all learn from each other, but we all learn most from him."
- Troy Polamalu

by AV23 on Jan 4, 2012 2:17 PM EST up reply actions

Crazy?

I’m picking Houston and Pittsburgh to make it to the 2nd round. That means we get the Texans at home since they’d be the higher seed. Then the question becomes whether it’s preferable to play Pitt at home or New England on the road. I’d take Pitt at M&T all day!

So, hoping for Pitt and Houston to come out of week one and then for Pitt to miraculously beat the Pats and be forced to come to B-More before they go home. Am I crazy?

by SL9178 on Jan 4, 2012 2:48 PM EST reply actions

Works, unless

An even better solution would be for a pair of upsets in Pittsburgh and New England so they both go one and out… won’t happen, but we can dream right?

Can the Steelers knock out the Patriots as injured as they are? I think the big question this off season is if the big defenses can beat the big offenses. Green Bay and New England sound like they have a similar problem in that they give up a lot of yards. Problem is, they gain a lot of yards. Can we get the job done? Absolutely, but given the choice between a banged up Steelers (motivated as they will be given their previous two losses) and New England in New England… well, we’ve seen one offense just light up our defense this year, and that team didn’t make the playoffs. I think I’ll take the Steelers rather than the Patriots, because Texans/Bengals, and the Broncos would just be too good to be true.

by Steven_G on Jan 4, 2012 3:38 PM EST up reply actions

New England has not beat a quality opponent this year

They can not spot a quality defense 21 points and expect the lady named Brady to bail them out. New England is rooting hard for the broncos.

by runew on Jan 4, 2012 6:01 PM EST up reply actions

nope

I totally agree.

I love it knowing that there are a handful of Ravens fans in this area who despise the fact that Joe will be our QB for the next 10 years. --Mr. MaLoR

by jackmca on Jan 4, 2012 3:46 PM EST up reply actions

Bengals v. Texans is a tough one to call

Cincy’s record against teams with winning records is 1-7(they beat the Titans for that one win, which ultimately gave them a tiebreaker). That doesn’t bode well for a playoff run.

On the other hand, TJ Yates hasn’t looked good and Houston lost 3 in a row. But they beat them at Cincinnati. Then the 3-game skid happened, so who knows?

I don’t get caught up in the “root for this team ‘cause they’d be easy” or “we’ll beat them at home” talk. You can’t look past anyone at this point of the season.

by JasonM71 on Jan 4, 2012 5:06 PM EST reply actions