The Baltimore Ravens lost control of their playoff destiny Sunday because they lost at the Houston Texans, but they still have two scenarios in which they can reach the postseason:
Ravens beat the Cleveland Browns at M&T Bank Stadium AND the Bengals lose their last two games (home against Denver Broncos on Monday night and at the Pittsburgh Steelers next Sunday)
Ravens beat the Browns AND the San Diego Chargers lose at the Kansas City Chiefs
"We have to win and hope folks lose," wide receiver Torrey Smith said. "It’s not a real good feeling. We have to pull it off and hope we get a good Christmas present.”
HERE ARE THREE REASONS FOR OPTIMISM
In terms of track record, the Ravens couldn't have asked for a better team to wrap up the regular season. The Browns' average margin of defeat in the past four season-enders is 15.7 points.
Cincinnati's final two games are on national television, which could be good news for the Ravens. Since 2011, the year quarterback Andy Dalton became starter, the Bengals are 2-6 in prime time.
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is playing with a bulging disk in his lower back that doctors fear is on the brink of being herniated, sources told ESPN.
HERE ARE THREE REASONS FOR PESSIMISM
The Ravens haven't exactly been a team that finishes strong lately. Their record in December since 2012 is 5-7, a not-so-stellar .416 winning percentage.
The Bengals are 10-4 in November and December over the past two seasons. Only five teams have a better record.
The Chargers have won four of their last five meetings with the Chiefs, including the last two trips to Arrowhead Stadium.