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Looking at Ravens’ Competition for a Playoff Spot
Despite a three-game losing streak, Baltimore is in the thick of the playoff race. Here's who else is in the mix, a look at their remaining schedules and their strengths and weaknesses.
Tennessee Titans
Record: 5-4
Toughest games left: Week 11 @ Colts, Week 12 @ Texans, Week 16 vs. Redskins
Strength: Defense. The Titans had Tom Brady and the Patriots offense out of sorts Sunday, limiting them to just 10 points. Coached by former Ravens defensive coordinator Dean Pees, Tennessee's defense ranks first in points allowed per game (16.8) and sixth in yards allowed per game (328).
Weakness: Tennessee's offense has improved as quarterback Marcus Mariota's throwing hand has healed. Still, the Titans rank 28th in the NFL in points scored per game (18.7).
Cincinnati Bengals
Record: 5-4
Toughest games left: Week 11 @ Ravens, Week 14 @ Chargers, Week 17 @ Steelers
Strength: Winning close games. The Bengals beat the Falcons in the final minute, came back from 17 points down to topple the Dolphins and fended off a furious comeback to edge out the Buccaneers with a game-winning field goal.
Weakness: Cincinnati's defense ranks last in the NFL in yards allowed per game (454.6) and second-worst in points allowed per game (32).
Miami Dolphins
Record: 5-5
Toughest games left: Week 11 @ Colts, Week 13 vs. Patriots, Week 14 @ Vikings
Strength: Big plays have buoyed the Dolphins. Wide receiver Kenny Stills is averaging 17.2 yards per catch. Before he suffered a season-ending hip injury, wide receiver Albert Wilson had seven catches of more than 20 yards.
Weakness: Injuries. Miami's starting quarterback, Ryan Tannehill, has an injured shoulder, thrusting Brock Osweiler into action. They've placed six starters on injured reserve and were missing three starting offensive linemen Sunday in a loss to the Packers. Their bye week is up next.
Indianapolis Colts
Record: 4-5
Toughest games left: Week 13 @ Jaguars, Week 14 @ Texans, Week 17 @ Titans
Strength: Andrew Luck and the Colts offense has been on fire, scoring 108 games over Indy's three-game winning streak. That's including 29 points against a very good Jaguars defense on Sunday.
Weakness: The defense is putting pressure on the offense to put up big points. Indianapolis' defense is allowing 26.6 points per game. Only five teams are surrendering more.
Los Angeles Chargers
Record: 7-2
Toughest games left: Week 13 @ Steelers, Week 15 @ Chiefs, Week 17 @ Broncos
Strength: The Chargers have rattled off six straight wins behind an explosive offense led by quarterback Philip Rivers and running back Melvin Gordon, who is the second player since 2007 with a five-game streak of 120-plus total yards from scrimmage and a touchdown.
Weakness: The Chargers made a kicking change before Week 10, releasing Caleb Sturgis after he missed a field goal and two extra points in Week 9. His replacement, Mike Badgley, made both of his field goal attempts on Sunday.
