Ravens Team Headlines Week 15: Baltimore Playoff Hopes Still Within Reach
By Daniel Benjamin
The Baltimore Ravens will likely have to win their final three games of the season in order to make the playoffs.
The Ravens (7-6) are currently sitting in eighth place in the AFC, a game behind the Denver Broncos. More importantly, the Ravens control their own playoff hopes. If Baltimore wins out, they will be AFC North Division Champions regardless of how division leading Pittsburgh Steelers (8-5) finish the season.
The reason?
Baltimore would win the tie-breaker with Pittsburgh by virtue of defeating the Steelers twice. The Ravens defeated the Steelers 21-14 at M&T Bank Stadium on Nov. 6. The teams will have their final showdown of the season in Pittsburgh on Christmas Day.
Before the Ravens get too far ahead of themselves, they have to take care of business Sunday against the Philadelphia Eagles at M&T Bank Stadium. The Ravens have won four straight at home and are 5-2 there on the season.
Following the Steelers' game, the Ravens close out the season in Cincinnati.
Baltimore is 7-3 against AFC foes and a perfect 4-0 against AFC North division rivals. They have a +45 scoring differential, which includes outscoring their opponents 146-98 over their last six games.
WR/PR Mike Campanaro promoted from practice squad
The Ravens promoted wide receiver Mike Campanaro from their practice squad on Wednesday. Campanaro will take return specialist Devin Hester's spot on the roster.
Hester was released on Tuesday after failing to catch two punts that were downed at the 1-yard and 2-yard line on Monday. The punt that was downed at the 1-yard line ended up as a safety for the Patriots, as running back Kenneth Dixon was tackled in the end zone on the Ravens' first play from scrimmage on their second possession.
Hester, one of the best return men in NFL history, averaged 13.2 yards per punt return this year. However, he was hampered by a groin injury and fumbling issues. The 34-year-old fumbled five kicks, though he only lost one. Hester has returned nine kicks for touchdowns, seven punts and two kickoffs in his career.
Campanaro is expected to take over punt return duties. This may be a risky proposition for the Ravens, as he doesn't have much experience as a kick returner. Plus, he was waived by the Ravens during training camp with an injury designation (calf). He was re-signed in November and has been practicing with the team since.
In total, he has returned eight kicks in his career—five punt returns and three kick returns. In 2015, he averaged 16.3 yards per punt return on three chances, with a long of 21. He also returned three kickoffs for a 26.3 average. Campanaro also has 12 career receptions, which includes five receptions for 35 yards last season. The 25-year-old was selected by the Ravens in the seventh round of the 2014 draft out of Wake Forest. It will be interesting to see how he plays in Week 15 against the Eagles.