After a mini bye, I almost can’t remember two Thursdays ago when we beat the Jets to become the AFC North Champions. While I definitely remember that we are the AFC North champs, I do have a vague memory of the Jets being a squashed bug on the bottom of the Raven’s boot as we climb to the top of the NFL.  On a cold night in Baltimore, the Ravens did what we were destined to do: squish the by Jets beating them 42-21.

At this time I would like to thank the Cleveland Browns for kicking our butts during week four in Baltimore.  Without this eye-opening loss to the Browns I don’t think we would have made the drastic changes on defense that were necessary to become the historic team that we are.  We have nine new difference-making players on the defensive side that were not even on the team when we played the Browns in week four.  Since then, the two teams have taken drastically different paths. The Ravens to became the AFC North champs and the Browns became a dumpster fire. The Browns aren’t just one of the small dumpster fires you see behind your local convenience store, but one of those big dumpsters after a Browns loss rolling away from Cleveland Municipal Stadium full of Browns jerseys type of dumpster fires.  Football is the ultimate team sport and I emphasize team. The Browns, who were the in the Super Bowl chatter at the start of the season, put together a group of star players and the Ravens, who were slotted to be third or fourth in our division, put together a team.  If the players don’t come together as a team, the result is the Browns. Have you seen the TV commercial of Baker Mayfield sweeping up the stadium after a game?  That could become a reality after the Ravens show the NFL world how to beat a bunch of star players using a team of players who work and play together for the good of each other, the team, and Baltimore.

So, we go to Cleveland this Sunday to stake our claim as the number one team in the AFC.  With the number one seed comes a first round bye and home field advantage throughout the playoffs. The possibility of playoff games in Baltimore has this town going purple crazy.  No adult Lamar jerseys to be found, buildings all lit up purple, and the stores crowded with people not just holiday shopping but mainly talking Ravens.  It just seems that the people around Baltimore and throughout Ravens nation have a bigger smile on their faces and even the cashiers at Walmart seem a little happier this year.

GO RAVENS!!!

The NFL gives us an early Christmas present every year with football games on the Saturday before Christmas.  Although this is great, it forces me the choose between shopping for the perfect gift for my wife or being one of those poor slobs out shopping on Christmas Eve only to end up hoping that the gas station sushi I got her doesn’t go bad as it sits under the tree. (She’ll understand, the Ravens are in the playoffs)

Remember don’t bet the eggnog money on my picks.

Saturday 1:00

Texans over Buccaneers
The Texans are the number 4 seed, but they don’t scare me if the Ravens play them.

Saturday 4:30

Bills over Patriots
We beat both of them, no worries.

Saturday 8:15
49ers over Rams
Also beat both teams, are you noticing a trend? Most of the Ravens wins were against playoff contending teams, and that’s a good thing.

Sunday 1:00
RAVENS over Browns

I have a confession to make. For the first time in my Ravens home game watching career, I left the week four game early so I could beat the traffic leaving the stadium.  This is not something I’m proud of, but maybe the coaches saw me leave and it contributed to the reasons the Ravens made the changes on defense. (So you can thank me later)

IT’S REDEMPTION TIME!  The starting Ravens players are hoping for a bye next week.  By beating the Browns we wrap up (Christmas metaphor) the number one seed, leaving nothing to play for next week against the Steelers, so our starters can rest up for the playoffs.  I could go on and on about the X’s and O’s of this game and how the Ravens will win, but the real story this week is the drama on the Browns sideline. I can’t wait to see the squabbling that goes on around the Browns bench during the game.  The best part is we will be watching from home on TV and you know how the producers love to catch that player yelling at the coaches.  I also can’t wait to see the look on Baker Mayfield’s face when they hand him a broom.

GO RAVENS!!!

Bengals over Dolphins
As I say we don’t want the better draft picks in the AFC we definitely don’t want them in our own division.

Jets over Steelers
Even though the Steelers lost last week they are still the number six seed, but a loss this week could knock them out of the playoffs.

Redskins over Giants
There are no smiles in Redskin land.

Colts over Panthers
Keeping the good draft pick in the NFC.

Jaguars over Falcons
Same as above, and we still don’t like Matt Ryan.

Titans over Saints
A Titans win could knock the Steelers out of the six seed.

4:00

Raiders over Chargers
Thanks to the Chargers for beating us in the playoffs last year and motivating Lamar to work harder.

Broncos over Lions
Another draft pick game.

Seahawks over Cardinals
Another draft pick game.

Cowboys vs Eagles
You pick’em
Both teams are 7-7, and looking to win the NFC East.  This is the game to watch after the Ravens beat the Brown.

8:00

Bears over Chiefs
The Chiefs are the only playoff team we have lost to.  Watch this game to scout the Chiefs we may see them in the playoffs.

Monday 8:00

Packers over Vikings
Both teams are playing to win the NFC North and we just don’t like the Vikings.

Enjoy the games with no guilt that you should be out shopping.  Gas station presents aren’t that bad. Besides, the Ravens are in the playoffs!

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to all!

And that’s just The View From 151.

GO RAVENS!!!