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2014 NFL Playoffs: Ranking The Playoff Field

By Evan Massey

Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) looks to pass against the St. Louis Rams during the first quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) is congratulated by quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Kamar Aiken (11) is congratulated by quarterback Joe Flacco (5) after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

11. Baltimore Ravens

Joe Flacco and the Baltimore Ravens were able to make the playoffs in the final week of the season thanks to a win and a San Diego Chargers loss at the hands of the Kansas City Chiefs.

Baltimore has not played consistent football all season long, and they are a shaky team heading into the postseason. The Ravens’ wildcard game will come against their division rival Pittsburgh Steelers, which isn’t a favorable matchup. They did beat the Steelers 26-6 in the second week of the season, but Pittsburgh got revenge with a 43-23 win in the second meeting.

Justin Forsett has run for 1,266 yards and eight touchdowns, which has been a very pleasant surprise. Steve Smith has also been a huge play target for Flacco, catching 79 passes for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns.

If the Ravens are going to make a run, they are going to need Flacco to play nearly perfect football like he did in their Super Bowl winning run a couple years ago. They are going to need the defense to step up in a big way against the pass, where they are currently ranked just 24th in the NFL. Their rushing defense at fourth in the league is solid, but they’ll need to play a near perfect game to knock off the Steelers.

Next: 10. Carolina Panthers

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