Baltimore Ravens Present Biggest Playoff Threat to AFC Powerhouses

It's conventional wisdom that either the New England Patriots or Denver Broncos will win the AFC with nary a struggle—except when they (inevitably, according to most analysts) play each other in the AFC Championship Game.

But as per usual, conventional wisdom is incorrect.

There is a team looming—a team with a championship pedigree, an elite quarterback, a stifling defense and a fantastic head coach—ready to crash the party, just as it did a few years earlier en route to a Super Bowl championship.

That team is the Baltimore Ravens.

Don't chortle. Leave the sarcasm at the door (or save it for the comments). The Ravens are a legitimate contender and are raring for another title run.

Consider the facts: In all likelihood, the Ravens will be returning to the postseason for the sixth time in seven years under coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco. They are 9-5 and currently in possession of the sixth and final seed in the AFC, and they have games remaining against a Texans team starting a quarterback that wasn't on the roster a month ago (either Thad Lewis or Case Keenum) and a home date with Johnny Manziel and the Browns.

In other words, the Ravens will finish 11-5 and could end up winning the ultra-competitive AFC North. 

Once the Ravens officially qualify for the postseason, the rest of the AFC should be quaking in their collective boots.

Baltimore is third in the NFL with 45 sacks, and its defense has allowed only 25 points in the last two games (against Miami and Jacksonville).  It possesses a pair of pass-rushing demons in linebackers Terrell Suggs (11 sacks) and Elvis Dumervil (17 sacks), and despite myriad injuries to its secondary, the unit is still getting the job done.

As for the offense: Despite being less respected than Rodney Dangerfield, Flacco is authoring a magnificent campaign. Don't believe us? Just ask Harbaugh, who said this about Flacco on December 8 to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com: "It’s funny, Joe plays so well and so steady so consistently we just kind of take it for granted. He’s playing at the highest level. He’s playing at the highest level you can play at, and this victory (in Miami) proves it.” 

Matt Slocum/Associated Press

Bottom line: Flacco is a winner, and if he's not elite, the word means nothing. Two years ago, Flacco tossed 11 touchdown passes against zero interceptions in the postseason and ended up winning Super Bowl MVP. What more needs to be said? Flacco gets the job done and has historically played his best when it matters the most.

The talent surrounding Flacco is also top-notch. Running back Justin Forsett has emerged from virtual anonymity to churn out 1,128 rushing yards (good for fourth overall in the NFL) and evolve into a vital cog of coordinator Gary Kubiak's offense. Receiver Steve Smith has stepped into the role vacated by Anquan Boldin when Boldin was traded to the 49ers prior to the 2013 season—that of the physical, no-nonsense pass-catcher. And the club also employs Torrey Smith, who was sterling in the club's run to Super Bowl XLVII glory.

Per Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Baltimore's offensive line is one of only four in the league to earn a "plus" grade in both pass and run-blocking, speaking to the unit's efficiency. In the playoffs, keeping a quarterback upright and opening up holes in the run game are of paramount importance—and this Ravens team is clearly up for the task.

Back in 2012, the two favorites in the AFC were the Patriots and Broncos. In the divisional round, the Ravens beat the Broncos in a double-overtime classic and then went to Foxborough and bounced the Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, so there is precedent for this event occurring again.

Think about it: If you were Patriots coach Bill Belichick or quarterback Tom Brady, or Broncos coach John Fox or quarterback Peyton Manning, which team—other than each other— would strike the most fear into your heart? It would have to be the Ravens.

Baltimore has the pass rush to take down either Brady or Manning, an offensive line that is capable of dominating, a coach who has already won a world title and a quarterback with a Super Bowl MVP to his name.

Forget about the Colts; they aren't ready for prime time. The Steelers are way too Jekyll and Hyde to strike fear into the hearts of the Broncos and Patriots. The Bengals always fold like a cheap suit in a big spot, and the Chargers have been easily handled by both New England and Denver.

The Ravens are the one team that could come in between yet another Brady vs. Manning matchup for AFC supremacy.

And you shouldn't be surprised if (and when) that happens.