The Baltimore Ravens sit in a strange position.
During a very late Week 14 bye, they have had two weeks to address the flaws that have been limiting the team.
Currently, Baltimore sit in no man’s land. They are four games back from the #1 seed and the AFC’s only bye.
Is the division title out of reach?
With the Pittsburgh Steelers’ win over the Cleveland Browns, Baltimore also sit 2.5 games behind in the division race with four games to play.
Any hopes the Ravens have of winning the division hinge on the Week 16 visit of Pittsburgh.
The Ravens could close the gap to one game with a win, or even draw level at 10-5.
That would require a win over the Giants this week paired with a Steelers loss before beating Pittsburgh.
While it is very much plausible, the likelihood is the division title will go to Pittsburgh.
Wildcard hunt lacking
The Ravens also have a two game lead on the teams in the hunt for the wildcard.
Baltimore are most likely fighting for wildcard seeding with the Los Angeles Chargers and Denver Broncos.
While seeding is important, if the Ravens perform to their best in the playoffs, they would back themselves to at least have a chance to win.
Even when they are in Buffalo, Houston, Pittsburgh or even Kansas City.
What is more likely to end their hopes is a sloppy display by the secondary, indiscipline or Lamar Jackson being unable to end his playoff struggles.
You would back the Ravens to get the two wins that would most likely guarantee playoff football from their games remaining.
The final four games see them on the road against the New York Giants, hosting the Steelers, at the Houston Texans and finishing at M&T Bank Stadium against the Cleveland Browns.
How to approach the run in?
So with the lack of jeopardy, are these games best used as test matches for the Ravens?
The game with the Giants could focus on discipline. That could cover limiting penalties but also positionally and following assignments.
It is also an opportunity for Jackson to fine tune his game for playoff football and poor weather.
The Texans game would be a good test for the secondary and managing receivers better than they managed Ja’Marr Chase. This game is also their best remaining practice for performing in a hostile environment.
The Steelers game, well it is the Steelers. It is a must win game and a chance to beat the Steelers when it really matters. It is the Ravens’ biggest remaining test, a big challenge against a team that has their number.
If all goes to plan, the Browns game would then be a final chance to fine tune each of these aspects and bring it all together.
With the division on the line until at least Week 16, John Harbaugh will probably play to earn a home playoff game and a division title.
With that looking a long shot, treating the run in as developmental tests may be a more effective long-term strategy.
Particularly given the Ravens struggles in January in the Lamar Jackson era.
