NFL Playoffs 2016: 5 reasons Baltimore Ravens will make it

Dec 4, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens outside linebacker Terrell Suggs (55) reacts after a play during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Baltimore Ravens defeated Miami Dolphins 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports /

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Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Pray for Jimmy Smith

Against the New England Patriots, Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith got carted to the locker room with an injury. As important as Terrell Suggs, Mosley, Eric Weddle, Joe Flacco, and Tucker are to Baltimore, no player is more valuable to them than Smith. His impact on games suggests he should be a legitimate MVP candidate.

Injuries have kept Smith rotating in and out of the lineup this season. But when he’s healthy, very few corners are better than him. Smith even shuts down Antonio Brown, who many consider to be the best receiver in football. They absolutely must have him healthy against the Steelers if they want to make the playoffs. Brown can put up silly numbers against just about anyone, but not against Smith.

Don’t let the zero interceptions fool you. That’s a very deceiving stat. First of all, quarterbacks have found out the hard way don’t throw near Smith. Secondly, he shuts receivers down so effectively, QBs can’t throw near him even if they wanted to.

Truth be told, Smith will determine how far Baltimore goes. If he’s not healthy, they won’t make the playoffs or they’ll have a first round exit. However, if he gets healthy (Baltimore has REALLY good luck with guys getting healthy for the playoffs by the way), Smith could carry team not just into the playoffs, but potentially deep in them.

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