NFL Week 17 Predictions (Current Record 148-95)

Ravens vs Bengals. Ravens

Packers vs Lions. Lions

49ers vs Rams. 49ers

Jets vs Dolphins. Jets

Bears vs Vikings. Bears

Bills vs Patriots. Patriots

Panthers vs Saints Saints

Redskins vs Eagles. Eagles

Colts vs Jaguars. Jaguars

Titans vs Texans. Titans

Bucaneers vs Falcons. Falcons

Steelers vs Browns. Browns

Chiefs vs Broncos. Broncos

Chargers vs Raiders. Raiders

Seahawks vs Cardinals. Seahawks

Cowboys vs Giants. Giants

Big Brother Harbaugh defeats the little brother on Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is usually a day in which families come together, eat all the food they can and watch football, and in some families, they even play in their backyards before the NFL games start. For Jack Harbaugh, his two boys may have been eating dinner together, but they certainly were not playing in the backyard, instead they were engaging in a coaches duel. In the end, it was John Harbaugh, head coach of the Ravens (8-3) leading his team to victory over his brother Jim and the San Francisco 49ers (9-2) 16-6.

The Ravens knew going into this game that they would have one their biggest challenges to date. The 49ers who had one loss coming into this game which game in overtime against the Dallas Cowboys (7-4), have one of the best defenses in the NFL. The Ravens rising offense knew that this would not be an easy game.

This game ended up being a battle of two of the leagues most prominent defenses. Neither team scored a touchdown until the 4th quarter. The Ravens had a very tough time running the ball, but unlike other games, they still managed a balance attack.

The Ravens defense played one of the best games of the season. Ledby Terrell Suggs who had three of his own, the team totaled for nine sacks and was able to hurry 49ers quarterback 12 times. The 49ers defense would not be outdone as they were able to hold Ray Rice under three yards per carry.

Joe Flacco, who came to Baltimore when coach Harbaugh came, would not disappoint his coach in the teams  quest to gain the victory for their coach. Flacco managed the game well, with a couple of big plays on third down to keep drives alive, along with the games only touchdown pass to Dennis Pitta in the fourth quarter. Flacco finished 15/23 for 161 yards .

The Ravens have a long week as they prepare for the division rival Cleveland Browns. The Browns have the number one pass defense in the league, so this will be a very important week of preparation for Cam Cameron and the Ravens offense.

Ravens Offense Balance the Bengals

"The Ravens need to run the ball more if they plan to win football games" was the common theme around the city of Baltimore. Fans were not the only ones who felt this way, as players addressed their concern with the playcalling also. Sunday, Ray Rice carried the ball 20 times rushing for 105 yards averaging 5.2 yards per carry with two touchdowns as the Ravens (7-3) defeated the Cincinatti Bengals (6-4) 31-24.

This was an important game for the Ravens. After losing to Seattle, fans began to question whether or not they are really a Super Bowl contender. With this being a division game, a loss would knock the Ravens not only out of first place, but out the immediate playoff picture. With this win, the Ravens are in first place in the AFC and right now control their own destiny to have homefield advantage throughout the playoffs.

Joe Flacco, who was not asked to throw the ball 50 times, had an impressive performance as well. Flacco was 17/27 with 270 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. For years Baltimore has lacked a big play offense. Both of Flacco's touchdowns came off of huge plays, one to Anquan Boldin for 35 yards and the other to Torrey Smith for 38 yards. Smith also caught a 28 yard pass in which Bengals defensive back Adam Jones tackled him by his dreadlocks. Without that tackle, Smith may have scored a touchdown.

This game was clearly won by the offense simply outscoring the opposition. While the defense allowed 483 yards, the pass rusher was able to rattle the rookie, Andy Dalton in the most crucial part of the game. With the Ravens defense causing a turnover on downs with under two minutes left, the offense was able to go back on the field and excute what John Gruden calls the best play in football, the quarterback kneel.

The Ravens have a very short week as they prepare to take on coach John Harbaugh's brother Jim and the San Francisco 49ers (8-1).  The 49ers who have been rolling this season look tro establish themselves as one of the most elite teams in the NFL, but the task will be tough traveling from the west coast to take on the Ravens in M&T bank stadium where they have been 5-0 this season.

Terrell Suggs Defends Joe Flacco

Recently on ESPN's first take, Terrell Suggs went into the studio and spoke with Skip Bayless. During the interview Suggs stressed that he was completely sold on Joe Flacco, even going as far as to look in the camera and say it. Suggs even brought up the fact that in 2009, Flacco defeated Tom Brady in the playoffs. He also reminded everyone that Matt Ryan, who the world loves, never won a playoff game. Joe Flacco has reached the playoffs in each of his three years.

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.

The Ravens prepare for the Texans

"Im not saying it will be easier, but without him it will certainly help us out," were the words from Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco regarding the Houston Texans (3-2) Defensive End Mario Williams being inactive for this game.

The Ravens (3-1) have been playing great football this year so far. They understand that Sunday evenings game will not be an easy one. But without Mario Williams and pro bowl wide receiver Andre Johnson both sidelined, they will have an advantage.

The Ravens have done one thing that the fans of Baltimore have complained about in previous years, that is blow teams out. This year, they are number one in the AFC in points differential with +62 and number one in the NFL with points allowed with 57. So who is unable to blow teams out now?

With Arian Foster and Ben Tate coming into M&T Bank stadium this Sunday, the Ravens understand they have a tough task at hand. The Texans rank fifth in the league in rushing with 132.8 yards per game. However, the Ravens defense has been able to shut down every running back this year. Opposing rushers only average 72.5 yards per game. The Ravens have yet to allow a 100 yard rusher this season.

Joe Flacco looks to rebound after a disappointing performance against the New York Jets in week four. When Flacco faced the Texans on December 13, 2010, he threw for 235 yards with a pair of touchdowns.

Matt Shaub remembers the last time he faced the Ravens. After being down 21-7 at half, he rallied a 15-point fourth quarter to force the game into overtime. On the verge of possibly pulling off a huge comeback victory, Shaub would throw a pick-six to then Ravens cornerback, Josh Wilson has the Ravens defeated the Texans in overtime 34-28.

This season seemed to finally be the one that would put the Texans over the Colts. But with the Ravens coming up and the Tennessee Titans making a surprise run in the AFC South, Matt Shaub really needs to step up and display leadership and find another target while Andre Johnson is sidelined.

The Ravens on the other hand are riding solid in the AFC North. However, the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers are both a game behind, and anytime the AFC North is up for grabs, it is anyone's ball game.

Week 4 NFL Predictions (Current Record 31-18)

Detroit at Dallas  Cowboys

 Carolina at Chicago  Bears

Buffalo at Cincinnati  Bills

Tennessee at Cleveland  Titans

Minnesota at Kansas City  Vikings

Washington at St. Louis  Redskins

New Orleans at Jacksonville  Saints

 Pittsburgh at Houston  Texans

 San Francisco at Philadelphia  49ers

NY Giants at Arizona  Giants

 Atlanta at Seattle  Falcons

Miami at San Diego  Chargers

New England at Oakland  Patriots

Denver at Green Bay  Packers

NY Jets at Baltimore  Ravens

Indianapolis at Tampa Bay  Buccaneers

Three years ago, the Baltimore Ravens had a ferocious defense that was coordinated by 300 plus bound cocky yet confident student of the game. Because of his success, this many was hired as a head coach. Leaving Baltimore with a few of the members of that defense, he was certain not leave that attitude. New York Jets head coach, Rex Ryan, anticipates this Sunday nights matchup against his former team. Last year in week one, his team, led by then sophomore quarterback  Mark Sanchez, fell short to the Ravens by just one point. Since Ryan's departure, he has reached the AFC Championship game twice, while the Ravens have failed to win in the divisional round both years. This game promises to be a defensive dogfight as it was a year ago, however, with the Ravens returning home they will play on a high level and earn the victory.

Rookie Torrey Smith Makes a Record Breaking Debut as the Ravens Destroy the Rams

About 1:00 pm Sunday Afternoon, Ravens rookie wide-receiver  Torrey Smith tweeted, "On the way to the stadium....excited about my first start...I have a good feeling about today." At 7:30, a good feeling would be an understatement.

Smith in his first NFL start caught three touchdown passes from quarterback Joe Flacco and finished the game with 152 yards, as the Ravens destroy the St Louis Rams 37-7. Smith set the record for most touchdowns by a rookie receiver in their first start.

Joe Flacco would not be outdone. He threw for 389 yards with three touchdowns and a quarterback rating of 103.6. Flacco set a career high in passing yards and attempts with  48.

The man who many feel is the best half back when it comes to the check down, Ray Rice would also shine bright in this game. He ran for 79 yards on eight carries and caught for 83 on five receptions. That was more than any of the Rams receivers.

The defense, who was criticized for their horrific play against the Tennessee Titans last week would come out and play the way that the city of Baltimore is used to. Led by Hialoti Ngata, who the Ravens locked up for a contract extension in the middle of the week held the Rams to seven points, with a total of 244 yards. They sacked Bradford five times, including one that would lead to a forced fumble by Ray Lewis, which allowed Ngata to return the ball for his first career touchdown.

Next week, the Ravens return home, against their former defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and the New York Jets (2-1). The Ravens defeated the Jets 10-9 a year ago in week one. The Jets are desperate to rebound as the travel to Baltimore.

Matt Hasselback destroys the Ravens Secondary

After blowing out the rival Pittsburgh Steelers, the Baltimore Ravens took on an old rival, with a new face. Matt Hasselback and the Tennessee Titans defeat the Ravens 26-13.

Many feel that the Ravens are one of the best teams in the NFL and possibly a favorite to go to the Super Bowl. However, after their matchup with the Titans, there are a lot of questions left to be answered. Hasselback absolutely picked the Ravens apart. Receiving help from his offensive line, Hasselback threw for 358 yards and a touchdown. He was never sacked in this game.

The Ravens offense did the exact opposite from last week. Just when fans felt that the team finally had an offense  that can score willingly. Today, that did not seem to be the case. Flacco could never get in rhythm. He was sacked three times and he threw three interceptions.

Next week the Ravens travel to St. Louis to face the Rams. This will be a very important game for them, especially with the Jets coming to town the following week

Ravens run over the Steel-curtain

Fans know that when the Ravens and Steelers meet twice a year, they are always due for a treat. Coming into this game, Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has been unable to defeat Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in a head to head matchup. Flacco ends his six game losing streak as the Ravens pummel the Steelers 35-7.

The Ravens went into half time with a 21-7 lead, just as they di4  in the playoffs last season against these Steelers. Steelers fans were very confident that the Ravens would lose their momentum just as they did before. Going into this game, Ravens offensive coordinator Cam Cameron stated that finishing out games would be very important for the Ravens if they plan to be successful this season. In the second half, the team would set a new record for most turnovers in a game with seven, and the offensive line would also show new life only allowing Flacco to be sacked.

The Ravens look really good. By the Ravens offensive line taking the time to actually block, Flacco had a lot of time to find the open receivers. Flacco was 17 for 29 passing for 229 and three touchdowns with a 117.6 rating, his highest ever against the Steelers. Ray Rice was not to be out done. He finished the game with a total of 149 total yards, running for 107 and catching 42. The last time anyone ran over 100 yards against the Steelers was in December 2009. That man was Ray Rice.

Next week the Ravens travel to Tennessee to take on the Titans who lost to the Jaguars on the road in a close one 16-14. The Ravens will be in for a challenge as Chris Johnson and the Titans will be hyped for their home opener!