If the Baltimore Ravens defeat the New York Giants and the Pittsburgh Steelers lose to the San Diego Chargers, the Ravens will claim the #2 seed in the AFC over the New York Jets by virtue of a common opponent tiebreaker.
With identical 7-3 records, the Ravens and the Jets would have no head-to-head match-up on which to base the tiebreaker, and share identical division records. Through common opponents however, the Jets' upset loss to the Oakland Raiders would give Baltimore the edge after the Ravens thoroughly dismantled Oakland in Week 8 with the debut of their winged-T variation, the "Suggs Package."
Though this Sunday has potentially huge implications on the AFC playoff picture in the weeks to come, it all starts with Baltimore taking care of business at the Meadowlands first. The Ravens are in full control of their postseason fate, and though a little help is needed in order to claim sole possession of the division lead for now, the team has still done remarkably well this season.
No matter the outcome, the Ravens have exceeded all expectations. However, this game is arguably the make-or-break game of the season that will determine whether Baltimore can make a deep run in the playoffs.
And frankly, I wouldn't be surprised to see a February rematch in Tampa, should the Ravens at least give the defending Super Bowl Champions a run for their money this week.
Quick Notes:
- The game is touted as a rematch of Super Bowl XXXV, where the Ravens defeated the Giants 34-7 en route to the team's first Lombardi Trophy. However, these two teams have met only once during Tom Coughlin's tenure, and each team has only one active holdover apiece from that Super Bowl (New York WR Amani Toomer, and Baltimore LB Ray Lewis; CB Chris McAlister was placed on injured reserve earlier this week).
- The Ravens defeated the Giants in their last regular season meeting (12/12/04), 37-14, in Baltimore. QB Eli Manning was held to the lowest passer rating of his career.
- The Ravens have not allowed a 100-yard rusher for 28 consecutive games. The NFL's top run defense will face its most difficult test of the season in the Giants' top-ranked rushing offense.
- After winning four consecutive games, Ravens QB Joe Flacco will face his toughest challenge in weeks, squaring off against the second-ranked Giants pass defense (3rd overall).
