OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -- If the NFL playoffs began this week, the Baltimore Ravens wouldn't be part of the fun.
Fortunately for the Ravens, they've still got three weeks to make up the difference. Even better, they don't have to depend on anyone else to reach the postseason.
Though Monday night's 30-23 loss to the New England Patriots dropped Baltimore (7-6) out of a tie for the lead in the AFC North, the ramifications of the defeat were not catastrophic for their playoff hopes.
If the Ravens win their final three games, they will open the playoffs at home as division champions.