Week 9 could be pivotal

[ThatGuy246]

Originally Posted by lamberts-lost-tooth

However this week is so pivotal that under the worst case scenerio of our beloved Steelers losing their prime-time matchup, and victories by the Bengals and Browns can put us in a three way tie (not counting division wins) and winning the division ONLY because of the divisional record. The standing would look like this:

Steelers 5-3 (2-1 Division)
Browns 5-3 (2-1 Division)
Ravens 5-3 (1-2 Division)
Bengals 3-5 (1-2 Division)

Okay, so first off, I totally agree with everyone's affirmation that this is not a week to take lightly (and by extension, none are when your schedule spans only 16 games).

Out of curiosity, though - and I could be totally off the mark here, so please feel free to beat me with a blunt object - but in the event we lose to the Three-Point Magicians in Baltimore, wouldn't they take the divisional lead due to head-to-head?

Trust me, I'm hoping I'm wrong...but I'm hoping a lot more so that none of us have to worry about no stinkin' tie-breakers...

-B&GinD.C.

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Originally Posted by ThatGuy246

Okay, so first off, I totally agree with everyone's affirmation that this is not a week to take lightly (and by extension, none are when your schedule spans only 16 games).

Out of curiosity, though - and I could be totally off the mark here, so please feel free to beat me with a blunt object - but in the event we lose to the Three-Point Magicians in Baltimore, wouldn't they take the divisional lead due to head-to-head?

Trust me, I'm hoping I'm wrong...but I'm hoping a lot more so that none of us have to worry about no stinkin' tie-breakers...

-B&GinD.C.

Actually it starts with record...then would go to Division record

If we lost we would be 2-1 in the Division and the Ravens would be 1-2

It goes like this:

Best Record
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the division.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in common games.
Best won-lost-tied percentage in games played within the conference.
Strength of victory.
Strength of schedule.
Best combined ranking among conference teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best combined ranking among all teams in points scored and points allowed.
Best net points in common games.
Best net points in all games.
Best net touchdowns in all games.

I think what you are talking about is if two teams are tied and in different divisions...then the head to head is used to determine a wildcard slot

[lamberts-lost-tooth]

Originally Posted by onthebus36

The Browns are winning and that is the important thing (for them) and I think it is possible they go 10-6 so they are not to be dismissed. This is not the same team we dismantled week one.

That said, in my opinion, any divisional game, especially at home, is a must win. The Ravens beat us up pretty good last year so the division goes through them. It would also be nice to pick up some steam and reel off three divisional wins in a row.

Questions:

Does anyone know Aaron Smith's status? He's a guy we need for this game and stopping the Raven's rush.

Also, who is starting at QB for the Ravens? I assume McNair will start but I haven't seen an injury update on him in a while.

As of now the depth chart is showing McNair starting.