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Cowboys stay alive, Ravens get hot and 49ers taking off

By Matt Williamson

SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Jimmy Garoppolo No. 10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the Seattle Seahawks late in their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks won the game 24-13. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - NOVEMBER 26: Jimmy Garoppolo No. 10 of the San Francisco 49ers drops back to pass against the Seattle Seahawks late in their NFL football game at Levi's Stadium on November 26, 2017 in Santa Clara, California. The Seahawks won the game 24-13. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Outside Linebacker Terrell Suggs
BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 3: Outside Linebacker Terrell Suggs /

Baltimore is a really interesting team in the AFC playoff race. Sunday was probably Joe Flacco and the Ravens offense’s best showing of the year. Detroit doesn’t have a great defense by any stretch, but any signs of life on this side of the ball for Baltimore is highly encouraging. Mike Wallace and Flacco connected on big plays deep downfield on Sunday, which a component that this offense simply must have. Ten Ravens caught a pass in this game.

The Ravens utilized a combination of running backs, but Alex Collins is shining in the lead role and finally gives Baltimore a guy to really rely on carrying the football. Collins was exceptional against Detroit. Jimmy Smith left this game with an Achilles injury that is feared to be season ending. It should be noted that the Lions quickly got back into the game, as they so often do, once Smith departed.

Still, the Ravens have an outstanding defense. Stalwarts Eric Weddle and Terrell Suggs were the stars of the show in this outing and a lot of lesser-known young players are stepping up in a huge way, but Smith has been one of the best cornerbacks in football this year and certainly will be missed. It goes without saying with this organization that Baltimore is elite on special teams and Justin Tucker is already one of the best kickers in history.

As was the case on Sunday, the Ravens consistently dominate the field position battle and the team overall took advantage of every mistake that Detroit made. This fits their style of play perfectly, as Baltimore will also have to win the turnover numbers (as they did today 3-0) in low-scoring games if they are to advance in the playoffs. Matt Prater missed a field goal and an extra point in this game and the Lions lost Ziggy Ansah, two key starting offensive linemen and finally Matthew Stafford was injured late in the campaign.

Still, this Ravens team is tough to play against and could provide a difficult opponent in the AFC Wild Card round.