Is the Ravens' Game Against the Broncos a Must-Win?

What a difference a month makes!

Four weeks ago, the Ravens were 3-0, sitting atop of the AFC North, ahead of the upstart Bengals and the hated Steelers. There was talk about dynasty , and how the Ravens were the front runners for the AFC North.

One month later, the Ravens trail the Bengals and Steelers, by 1.5 games, and a loss Sunday against the Broncos would put them two games back of both teams.

Even though they are now in third place in the division, the Ravens still have a chance to catch the Bengals and Steelers, but they are going to have to play their best football from here on out.

Of the three teams, the Ravens have the hardest schedule remaining. Even though their offense has improved dramatically, their defense is no longer what it once was, now regularly getting torched in the passing game.

But the real concern for the Ravens would come should they lose to the Broncos. If the Ravens lose Sunday, they are going to be playing the rest of the season for a wild-card playoff birth. If they win, they are back in the running for the division crown.

There is no question that the Ravens are a quality team, and that they have talent on their squad, but would it be enough to overcome a two game deficit with eight to play? And if it is not, would they be able to secure a wild card birth?

Only time will tell, but the defensive problems the Ravens have had shows they are no longer the team that won the Super Bowl with one of the worst offenses in history. And unless the offense can dominate like the defense did in 2000, the chances of the Ravens hoisting the Lombardi are slim and none.