Baltimore Ravens will be in the NFL playoffs in 2014 if…

By Russell S. Baxter | Aug 21, 2014

Nov 24, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts after recovering a fumble during the game against the New York Jets at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

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But: The Ravens need to take advantage of the early stages of their schedule.

That has nothing to do with the supposed ease or difficulty of the opponents. As we know, it’s impossible to simply look at a schedule and forecast wins and losses.

The point here is the fact that Harbaugh’s club faces five divisional opponents in its first nine outings of the season, starting with home games against the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers in a five-day span before visiting the Cleveland Browns. In Weeks 8 and 9, the Ravens visit the Bengals and Steelers, respectively.

This past season, Baltimore split its six games within the AFC North, winning all three at home and losing all three on the road.

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