The Baltimore Ravens (9-7) were in a must-win situation on Sunday against the Oakland Raiders (5-11), and they pulled it out to inch their way into the AFC Wild Card spot.  It wasn’t exactly a pretty win, but the Ravens did what they needed to do to get themselves into the playoffs and that is all that matters.  Willis McGahee is the biggest reason why the Ravens got that Wild Card spot, as he put the Ravens on his back and ran them to victory.  McGahee finished with 167 yards and 3 touchdowns on only 16 carries.  Joe Flacco was not at his best, but he did not turn the ball over and finished with 102 yards on 11/19 passes.

The Ravens defense played very solid, giving up only one touchdown.  They also forced two turnovers, which proved to be the difference maker as the Ravens had zero turnovers.  They got a little bit of luck too, when Charlie Frye left with an injury and JaMarcus Russel was forced to take over.  Russel was the one who accounted for both turnovers, throwing 1 interception and losing a fumble.  Frye was pretty effective against the Ravens before leaving, going 18/25 for 180 yards and a touchdown.  None of that matters now though, because the Ravens got the win and are in the playoffs.

The Baltimore Ravens (8-7) control their own destiny when it comes to the playoffs, and just need to beat the Oakland Raiders (5-10) to get in.  It should be an easy win for the Ravens, but they need to come out and play like it is a playoff game or the Raiders could upset them and their playoff hopes.  The Ravens need to stop all of their penalties, as they lead the league in penalty yards (1,057 yards).  Flacco and the offense should not have any problem with the Raiders defense, but they cannot turn the ball over and keep them in the Raiders in the game.  If they can limit their penalties, take care of the ball, and limit the Raiders’ big plays they will find themselves in the playoffs.  If they don’t, the Raiders are capable of making some plays that could result in the Raiders losing.

Charlie Frye is likely the starting quarterback for the Raiders, and he can be awful at times.  If the Ravens defense can pressure Frye, he will turn the ball over.  The Raiders have some speedy receivers though, so the Ravens cannot get beat deep and give up big plays.  The deep ball is one of the few things the Raiders can do well and it is probably the only thing that can keep them in the game against the Ravens.  The Ravens have so much on the line that I think they will come out with intensity and will be on top of their game.

PREDICTION:   Baltimore Ravens 27, Oakland Raiders 13

Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed is likely to miss this weekend’s game with the Raiders due to a hip injury.  He has played in 11 games this season and he has made 45 tackles, 3 tackles for a loss, forced 3 fumbles, defensed 5 passes and he has 3 interceptions (one returned for a TD).  Tom Zbikowski will likely start in his place.  He has played in 14 games this season for the Ravens and he has made 28 tackles, defensed 4 passes and he has 2 interceptions.  Look for him to do a decent job filling in for Reed this Sunday.