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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1. January Joe

Whether or not Joe Flacco is an elite quarterback might be the worst argument not based around what a hot dog is. However, what can’t be argued is the Ravens quarterback’s success in the postseason in recent years. Despite what many think, no, the defense didn’t carry Flacco to the Super Bowl in 2012. It was the other way around, with the former Delaware quarterback beating Andrew Luck, Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, and Colin Kaepernick at their own game.

This isn’t a four game fluke either. Flacco has impressive numbers in the postseason since his first two years in the league. He has put the Ravens in a good position to win against some excellent quarterbacks. Most notably, he’s done so in each of his last three postseason showdowns against Brady. Though Flacco has only won one of those three games, Baltimore nearly pulled out a win the other two times. That’s largely due to him.

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In the 2016 season, January Joe has shown up a bit early. This has to be exciting for Baltimore fans. It will be up to Flacco to lead their offense. Whether it’s fair or not, he’ll be the primary target for criticism if he comes up short. But Flacco knows what it takes to win a Super Bowl and he’s used to meeting and exceeding high expectations.

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