Ruling out a Division Win and Bye (too unrealistic), the best-case scenario for us and the playoffs is this:
1. Ravens lose tonight, to move to 7-6. They are likely to beat the Eagles at home next week, to be 8-6. Then, Ravens lose at the Steelers on Dec. 25 (which will still be a big game for the Steelers solidifying the Division). This would put them at 8-7 and basically out - unless everyone else loses.
2. Broncos lose to Patriots next week (that will be a good game for Denver. The Broncos D matches up well against the Pats and the Pats are coming off of a physical MNF v. the Ravens; still will be rooting for the Pats). Then, Denver loses at KC on Dec. 25. That also puts them at 8-7.
Both of the above are realistic - though wishful - possibilities.
3. We win the next two games. That would put us at 10-5. If we can just somehow eek out those two games and the first two scenarios take place, we are in the playoffs without even having to beat the Pats at home. This would be huge. We could essentially treat the final game as a "bye week" and totally be ready for the first round. What a bonus that would be!
(FYI - Although Tennessee and Houston are both at 7-6 and either one could finish 10-6, they can't both do so as they play each other the last game of the season and that could be for the division).
Almost certainly, we'd wind up playing the Steelers at Pittsburgh on Jan 7th or 8th in the first round. With basically a practice game the week before, I'll take that any day.
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