Week 16 NFL Predictions (140-87)

Texans vs Colts  Colts

Browns vs Ravens  Ravens

Eagles vs Cowboys  Cowboys

Broncos vs Bills  Broncos

Cardinals vs Bengals  Bengals

Jaguars vs Titans  Titans

Raiders vs Chiefs  Chiefs

Dolphins vs Patriots  Patriots

Giants vs Jets  Jets

Rams vs Steelers  Steelers

Vikings vs Redskins  Redskins

Buccaneers vs Panthers  Panthers 

Chargers vs  Lions  Chargers

49ers vs Seahawks  49ers

Bears vs Packers  Bears

Falcons vs Saints  Falcons

Ravens Secure a Bold Victory over the Cardinals

Former Arizona Cardinals wide-receiver, Anquan Boldin in his first matchup against his old team proved why he is still one of the more dominant receivers in the league. Boldin finished with seven receptions and 145 yards as the Ravens defeat the Cardinals 30-27.

Coming into the 2011 season, coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Joe Flacco, both in their fourth year with the team, had never lost a game in which they should have won. Many argued that the Titans was the first game that fell into this category.  Upon further review and seeing that the Titans are serious contenders for the AFC South, many realized they were too quick to judge. But then the Ravens faced the Jacksonville Jaguars who came in the game 1-5. This should have been an easy win. However, it was the Ravens that made them look like a Super Bowl team. The Ravens would be held scoreless until the final three minutes of the game. 

Sundays matchup against the Cardinals seemed to be deja vu. Joe Flacco could not find any rhythm and the Ravens looked to be facing another disaster. At halftime, the Ravens found themselves trailing 24-6 against another 1-5 team. Flacco knew he had to get it together. 

Into the second half, the Ravens began to fly high. With Boldin playing in his first game against his former team, he did not want to be outdone by his former side kick, Larry Fitzgerald. Although he did not score, Flacco was able to find Boldin on a few huge plays that led to Ray Rice having a career high of three touchdowns. 

From day one of this franchise, the kicker has been a prominent position on this team. That would not be different today. With the game tied at 27 in the fourth, it would be Billy Cundiff with the game winning field goal as time expired. 

Next Week the Ravens face the hated Pittsburgh Steelers. The Ravens demolished the Steelers in week one, and since the Steelers have been playing great football including a huge win over the New England Patriots. If the Ravens are going to sweep the Steelers this year, they must play like they did in week one, and everyone must be in sync. 

Ravens Soar over the Texans at Home

With one of the most balanced attacks of the season, the Ravens defeat the Houston Texans at home 29-14.

With all the pressure from the front five coming his way, Joe Flacco was able to withstand the Wade Phillips defense and throw for another 300 yard game. Even though he did not throw for a touchdown, Flacco ended the game with a 60.6 completion percentage. However, he did throw an interception and was sacked twice.

The Ravens defense would not be denied. Ray Lewis led the team with 12 tackles including one sack. The defense finished with a total of four. Ben Tate and Arian Foster, who many knew would be keys for the Texans if they were going to win, were both shut down by the Ravens defense, only rushing for 41 and 49 yards.

The ground attack would be different for the Ravens. The team's leading rusher, Ray Rice finished with 101 yards, and backup running back, Ricky Williams scored his first touchdown as a Raven.

The Ravens also were able to attack the Texans in the passing game. Flacco found both Anquan Boldin and Torrey Smith for tremendous plays. Boldin and Smith finished with 132 and 84 yards receiving.  Finally the city of Baltimore has been treated with an offense that can attack opponents with both a great ground game and passing game.

Next week the Ravens travel to Florida to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-5) on Monday Night Football. The Jaguars, who were on the losing end to the Steelers (17-13), are a team who is clearly rebuilding with rookie quarterback Blaine Gabbert.