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Red Flags For Each NFL Wildcard Playoff Team

By Jeffery Reynolds

Oct 19, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt throws a red challenge flag onto the field to challenge a call against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 19, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; Tennessee Titans head coach Ken Whisenhunt throws a red challenge flag onto the field to challenge a call against the Washington Redskins in the first quarter at FedEx Field. The Redskins won 19-17. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Can Joe Flacco be elite for Baltimore?

Everyone is tired of the debate: Is Joe Flacco an elite quarterback? However, one thing is for sure – he’s going to have to play at an elite level on Saturday to beat the Steelers on the road. This is one of the NFL’s most competitive division rivalries, and it will be interesting to see how this edition unfolds. The teams split the season series. Baltimore won at home in Week 2, before Pittsburgh got hot – the Ravens only gave up 6 points. Then the Ravens got smoked in Pittsburgh in Week 9, giving up 43 as Ben Roethlisberger had 6 passing TDs for the second week in a row.

In his two matchups with the Steelers defense this year, Flacco has played well – 4 touchdowns and only 1 interception. While both teams still play solid defense, neither is as dominating as in years past. Flacco sports a 9-4 record in the playoffs, but if you take out the Super Bowl season of 2012, he’s a pedestrian 5-4.

This year’s Ravens squad was the last team in, only qualifying for the playoffs after the Chargers choked away their opportunity to punch their ticket. Baltimore was 4-4 on the road, including 0-3 against playoff teams (IND, CIN, PIT). The Steelers have been red hot over the second half of the season, with the number one rated offense for most of the year. The Ravens defensive weakness is in their secondary, so look for Big Ben to light it up. This game may come down to whether or not Baltimore can keep up in a shootout.

Next: How badly will Pittsburgh miss Le'Veon Bell?

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