There are some folks in the AFC who shudder at the thought of facing the Ravens’ defense in the playoffs.
That’s understandable, given Baltimore’s propensity for takeaways (league-high 33) and its turnover margin (plus-17). That the offense 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 (No. 11 in AP Pro32) is a 10 1-2 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.
No. 14 Seattle (plus 3 1-2) 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 3 1-2) 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 8 1-2) at No. 3 Minnesota, Saturday
Vikings touting idea of playing in as well as hosting Super Bowl.
VIKINGS, 30-16
No. 9 Atlanta (plus 5 1-2) 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 belongs to Chiefs, despite midseason hiatus.
CHIEFS, 23-16
No. 17 Los Angeles Chargers (minus 8 1-2) 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 7 1-2) 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 3 1-2) 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
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2017 RECORD:
Last week: Against spread (8-6-1). Straight up (13-3)
Season Totals: Against spread (104-102-9). Straight up: (141-81)
Best Bet: 9-6 against spread, 10-5 straight up.
Upset special: 9-6 against spread, 9-6 straight up
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For more NFL coverage: http://www.pro32.ap.org and http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL
Ravens could be formidable postseason foe thanks to defense
