The dust has settled........

[RavenzRule]

Originally Posted by Balmerboh

Yeah, if only our defense could just play like they did in the first 3 quarters of the Bengals game...we'd streak to the playoffs no question.

The defense played pretty good against Indy, the offense kind of let us down. Left enough points on the field for the win. They're like our Kryptonite.

[SteelFaninBMore]

HOU/TEN is a huge game tomorrow. Instead of going on and on about tiebreakers, I'll just post two different sets of standings:

IF HOUSTON LOSES:

1. Indianapolis 10-0 (@ HOU)
2. Cincinnati 7-3 (vs CLE)
3. San Diego 7-3 (vs KC)
4. New England 7-3 (@ NO)
5. Jacksonville 6-4 (@ SF)
6. Pittsburgh 6-4 (@ BAL)
-------------------------------
Denver 6-4 (vs NYG)
Baltimore 5-5 (vs PIT)
Houston 5-5 (vs IND)
Miami 5-5 (@ BUF)


IF HOUSTON WINS:

1. Indianapolis 10-0 (@ HOU)
2. Cincinnati 7-3 (vs CLE)
3. San Diego 7-3 (vs KC)
4. New England 7-3 (@ NO)
5. Jacksonville 6-4 (@ SF)
6. Denver 6-4 (vs NYG)
-------------------------------
Houston 6-4 (vs IND)
Pittsburgh 6-4 (@ BAL)
Baltimore 5-5 (vs PIT)
Miami 5-5 (@ BUF)


Why the huge change? If Houston wins, Denver/Pitt/Houston/Jax are all tied at 6-4.

First, division tiebreakers would be used to knock out HOU or JAX. Jax would win based on better conference record (5-2 vs 5-3).

Then, conference record is used to knock out one of Jax/Den/Pit. The loser would be Pittsburgh, with a 4-3 record, against Jax (5-2) and Den (5-3).

Jax would then beat out Denver for the #5 seed, with a better conference record.

Tiebreakers would then reset for the #6 seed between Pit/Den/Houston.

The first tiebreaker would then be conference record. Pittsburgh would be knocked out again with a 4-3 record, compared to the Texans and Broncos at 5-3.

And to finally decide the #6 seed between Denver and Houston - Denver would win based on Strength of Victory (.533 vs .383).

I know it's a mouthful.



Other Tiebreakers: (That Stay the Same Regardless of TEN/HOU)

• #2 Cincinnati owns the Strength of Victory tiebreaker over #3 San Diego -by ONE game. Cincy = .474 or a 33-37 record, SD = .457 or a 32-38 record.
  
  
• #3 San Diego owns the Strength of Victory tiebreaker over #4 New England (.457 vs .385).

- Well, we know Indy is cruising towards home field. After that, this entire thing is a mess. I think I'm correct in most of my tiebreakers.

- For our own sanity, Steelers and Ravens fans both need to root for Tennessee tomorrow night. And then for Indy against Houston in Week 12. They're just a pain in the ass at this point, and the faster they're removed from the equation, the simpler it will be for the rest of us.

- Oakland's gift just makes the loss to the Chiefs that must more disgusting to me. A Steelers win would have brought them neck and neck with Cincy at 7-3, and Pittsburgh would have had a great chance to steal the division, considering Cincy's remaining schedule. Instead, Pittsburgh is still two games behind, and now there's only 6 games left to play. A blown opportunity.

- I saw Jacksonville as a decent team that could spoil the party for some teams - but I'm shocked at how easily they've snuck into the #5 seed. As much as we talk about the AFC North being the best division in the AFC (if not the NFL), let's not forget the AFC South - they're just as capable of sending 3 teams to the post-season as we are. Wow.

[boulderterp]

I looked at the Steeler schedule if they beat the Ravens Sunday, which they should, I think Flacco will have a meltdown and Ben will throw for 300+, they should easily run the table and finish 12-4, but the Bengals have an EASY schedule with the exception of SD. Ravens are basically out of it at this point, unless they run the table.

[SteelFaninBMore]

Originally Posted by boulderterp

I looked at the Steeler schedule if they beat the Ravens Sunday, which they should, I think Flacco will have a meltdown and Ben will throw for 300+, they should easily run the table and finish 12-4, but the Bengals have an EASY schedule with the exception of SD. Ravens are basically out of it at this point, unless they run the table.

Cincy also has to go to Minnesota. I could see them finishing 11-5 by losing those two road games. Which is what I was hoping for originally, because I thought the Steelers were good for a 12-4 record.

Now, I have no idea. Pittsburgh has the talent to run the table, but losing to the Chiefs tells me that it's not going to happen. They're going to lose at least another game, whether it be @ BAL, vs GB, or even @ MIA. Which gives Cincy the division, and leaves Pittsburgh hopefully fighting for a wildcard.

I agree that the Ravens have a tough road to travel. Even if they beat Pittsburgh, they're still stuck behind or tied with a lot wild card contenders. They'll need a lot of help and a lot of things to break their way.

[TheJoeFlaccoShow]

Originally Posted by SteelFaninBMore

- I saw Jacksonville as a decent team that could spoil the party for some teams - but I'm shocked at how easily they've snuck into the #5 seed. As much as we talk about the AFC North being the best division in the AFC (if not the NFL), let's not forget the AFC South - they're just as capable of sending 3 teams to the post-season as we are. Wow.

Jacksonville is starting to piss me off with these last minute wins and scraping by seemingly every week. Could they lose a close game for a change?? W-T-F. Last 4 wins none have been by more than 3 points, and 3 of them coming against terrible teams.

I still am not buying they are any good, they are a mediocre team at best and I have a feeling that will play itself out over the next 6 games. They can't keep winning by the skin of their teeth every week it will catch up with them....at least I hope so.

[boulderterp]

winning by the skin of your teeth is a skill, and gets you in the playoffs, something the Ravens need to learn. The only way the Steelers dont make the playoffs based on all the other teams is if they are swept by the Ravens, which isn't likely. Relax Steelerfan you are in.

[SteelFaninBMore]

Originally Posted by TheJoeFlaccoShow

Jacksonville is starting to piss me off with these last minute wins and scraping by seemingly every week. Could they lose a close game for a change?? W-T-F. Last 4 wins none have been by more than 3 points, and 3 of them coming against terrible teams.

I still am not buying they are any good, they are a mediocre team at best and I have a feeling that will play itself out over the next 6 games. They can't keep winning by the skin of their teeth every week it will catch up with them....at least I hope so.

The good part is that their last 6 games are @ SF, vs HOU, vs MIA, vs IND, @ NE, @ CLE. Those are some tough teams, and even though the two division games are in Jacksonville, I don't expect them to win both (they could easily lose both).

I just don't see them getting out of that 6 game stretch without suffering 3 losses. That puts them at 7 losses. I hope it plays out that way, anyway.

[mdduckman]

Originally Posted by boulderterp

I looked at the Steeler schedule if they beat the Ravens Sunday, which they should, I think Flacco will have a meltdown and Ben will throw for 300+, they should easily run the table and finish 12-4, but the Bengals have an EASY schedule with the exception of SD. Ravens are basically out of it at this point, unless they run the table.

Amazing how fast people are giving up on Joe. We haven't had a good QB here since...well, in a LONG time...and 10 games into the season, you've seen enough to give up on Flacco and the Ravens. Wow.

Now, before anyone says I'm just a "Joe Apologist", let me say that I blame him first and foremost for this loss today. It was horrible decision to throw that ball, and I'm not shying away from that. But I'm just simply amazed at how many of you think he's done, and we should start looking for other options. I'm not saying you in particular with your comment above (..."Joe will have a meltdown..."). I just can't believe the vibe on this board. Am I upset at the outcome of the game? Of course, but we have the Steelers coming up this week, and last time I checked, KC isn't exactly the greatest team in the world and they just beat them. Plus, these games are for the most part always tight. Sure, we haven't won ANY of those games so far this year (other than maybe SD), but I still believe in this team. I just wish everyone else would at least try to...

[boulderterp]

I dont think Joe is done, but he doesnt play well in big games,yet.......then add to that the pressure of this game and how he plays against the Steelers i will have alot of loot on the Steelers for sure. Ben is a far superior QB than Joe at this point and it will be the difference Sunday. Joe will be Ok in time, not yet, making dumb mistakes costing the team games, he is young, he is not Boller by any means. If the Ravens dont score a ST TD or a defensive
TD they dont stand a chance. The offense has been lousy for the last 3 games and doubt it will change against the Steelers.

But yes, I have given up on the 2009 Baltimore Ravens, results speak for themselves. Not on Joe

[Ravenboy2003]

A team that just lost to Kansas City should "easily run the table"?

Ok, whatever you say.

[FreeRaven]

I, for one, am not throwing Flacco under the bus. He's a second year player who is still learning, and he has a great future ahead of him. He will win far more games for the Ravens than he will lose. That was a bone-headed play yesterday, but it isn't the only thing that cost the Ravens the game.

However, as far the Ravens and their playoff chances, put a fork in them. They're done. They were done back when they were 3-3, but few wanted to admit it.