Can the Ravens really go 8-0?
The Baltimore Ravens are among the most disappointing teams in the NFL at 2-6, contending for the first pick in the draft instead of the Super Bowl as many had prognosticated.
To say the Ravens are keeping a positive outlook in the face of adversity would be an understatement. Defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan and kicker Justin Tucker both had the playoffs on their mind after the team's win over San Diego in Week 8, and head coach John Harbaugh didn't shy away from their thoughts of running the table in the second half.
Let's take a look at Baltimore's schedule the rest of the way with the most optimistic lens possible to see if winning eight straight is even a remote possibility. The Ravens will play five of their remaining eight games at home, and their opponents are a combined 31-35, which includes the season finale against the 8-0 Bengals.
Week 10 vs. Jacksonville (2-6): The Ravens would really have to fall flat to lose at home coming off a bye week to a 2-6 Jaguars team. WIN
Week 11 vs. St. Louis (4-4): The Ravens' 10th-ranked run defense will face a tough challenge in surging rookie Todd Gurley, but this game is certainly winnable at home. WIN
Week 12 at Cleveland (2-7): A game against the Browns is always winnable. The Ravens will be looking to avenge their home overtime loss in Week 5, and there is a chance Johnny Manziel will be under center instead of Josh McCown, who passed for 457 yards the first time around. WIN
Week 13 at Miami (3-5): The secondary will need to keep Jarvis Landry and company from making big plays to win, but the Ravens are good enough to take advantage of Miami's inconsistency. WIN
Week 14 vs. Seattle (4-4): Even if Baltimore does enter this game on a four-game win streak, this matchup is not a very favorable one. Being home gives the Ravens a glimmer of hope but Seattle's defense will prove to be too much to overcome. LOSS
Week 15 vs Chiefs (3-5): The Chiefs offense is nothing to be afraid of, so as long as the Ravens can protect Joe Flacco and run the ball, this should be a victory. WIN
Week 16 vs. Pittsburgh (5-4): The Steelers will likely be clawing for a playoff spot as they enter Baltimore looking for a split of the season series. Assuming Ben Roethlisberger is back to health, a Ravens win here is unlikely. LOSS
Week 17 at Bengals (8-0): Let's face it, the only chance the Ravens have of winning this game is if Cincinnati rests its starters as it prepares for a playoff run. The Bengals have owned the Ravens to the tune of four straight wins and a fifth is very likely. LOSS
A 5-3 record might be the best the Ravens can do in the second half, but even if they win a game they're not supposed to, 6-2 only gets them to .500, likely leaving them on the outside looking in come playoff time.