One thing every NFL team can be thankful for in 2016

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Nov 20, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) is tackled by Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Zach Orr (54) in the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /

Baltimore Ravens: Run defense makes them a threat in the AFC playoffs

While they are only 5-5 and the usually stoic Joe Flacco just had a press conference for the ages after Week 11’s road loss to the Dallas Cowboys, there is a lot for the Baltimore Ravens to be thankful about this holiday season.

Though playing in the worst AFC North in years absolutely helps, the one component of the 2016 Ravens that makes them the likely team to win the division is the stellar play of the run defense.

Dallas Cowboys star rookie running back Ezekiel Elliott didn’t routinely humiliate the Ravens on Sunday. Outside of another meeting with Le’Veon Bell of the Pittsburgh Steelers coming in a few weeks, that will be the toughest test the Ravens run defense will face all year.

The North is likely going to go to either the Ravens or the Steelers in 2016. The Cleveland Browns have been eliminated from playoff contention at 0-11. Let’s not overlook how bad things have gotten with the reeling 3-6-1 Cincinnati Bengals.

Pittsburgh has massive issues with inconsistency and playing down to teams they should beat. Yes, Baltimore has to deal with regular-season Flacco for a few more weeks, but he’ll get better in the AFC Wild Card round. Baltimore could be a scary underdog team come playoff time because of this stout run defense of coordinator Dean Pees.

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