NFL teams
Jamison Hensley, ESPN Staff Writer 9y

Revised prediction: Baltimore Ravens

Baltimore Ravens reporter Jamison Hensley revises his season prediction at the midway point of the season:

Preseason prediction: 9-7

Revised prediction: 9-7

Why the Ravens will finish as predicted: What works in the Ravens' favor is a soft remaining schedule. Their seven remaining opponents have a combined record of 27-33 (.450). The Ravens (5-4) can get to that 10-win mark (and get into playoff contention) if they win their last four home games (Tennessee, San Diego, Jacksonville and Cleveland) and steal one win on the road (at New Orleans, Miami and Houston).

But there's no given that the Ravens can win out at home. The Ravens should beat the likes of the Titans and the Jaguars, and they typically beat the Browns at M&T Bank Stadium, although that's not a lock anymore considering how the Browns played in Cincinnati on Thursday night. Where the Ravens will stumble is against the Chargers. The loss of cornerback Jimmy Smith to a season-ending foot injury will play a factor when going against a quality passer in Philip Rivers.

Along those same lines, the Ravens will be hard-pressed to beat Drew Brees and the Saints on the road. The Ravens have the advantage of coming off a bye, but they'll have trouble matching up with the Saints receivers, much like they did in Pittsburgh. The last two road games (at Miami and Houston) are more winnable ones for the Ravens, but it's more likely they'll split them considering their ragged history on the road lately. That puts the Ravens at 9-7 and firmly on the bubble for a playoff spot.

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