It will be tight, but expect Titans to knock off Ravens to advance in NFL playoffs

After a well-earned week off, the Tennessee Titans host the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday as part of the American Football Conference's semi-finals. The Titans edged the Ravens 13-10 in week five, but Baltimore is a much better team now, especially on offense.

Rookie quarterback Joe Flacco is playing much better than he was earlier in the season. Also, the Ravens have developed a three-headed running attack consisting of LeRon McClain, Willis McGahee, and Ray Rice. While the 'running back by committee' approach is usually one to be avoided, the Ravens have made it work. Additionally, the Ravens' defense is first rate. Take it from somebody who had their defense in a fantasy football league, the unit makes a lot of big plays.

The Titans, on the other hand, are a lot like the Ravens. They will emphasize the running game, but if the Ravens commit to stuffing the run, quarterback Kerry Collins has shown he can carry the load if necessary. Defensively, a lot is riding on the health of Albert Haynesworth and Kyle Vanden Bosche. Both are expected to start. If they can both go, then the Titans' defense becomes a stone wall. If not, things will be interesting.

Playing at home and with a full head of steam, I'm taking the Titans.

The pick: Tennessee 23 Baltimore 14

Other picks: Pittsburgh over San Diego, Carolina over Arizona, New York Giants over Philadelphia

Previous week's picks: 4-2 (.667), Overall: 61-34 (.642)

Tennessee Titans look to go 5-0 at Baltimore

The National Football League is definitely a lot more interesting when your favorite team is winning. The Tennessee Titans are 4-0 and have several exciting months ahead of them. On the other hand, winless teams like the St. Louis Rams are already looking ahead to next season.

The Titans next challenge is on Sunday at Baltimore. On the surface, the Ravens have several weaknesses. Quarterback Joe Flacco is a rookie, and the Titans' defense knows it will have plenty of opportunities to attack him physically and mentally. Plus, the Ravens running attack has been lackluster. Running back Willis McGahee is struggling with a rib injury, and the entire offensive unit lacks a lot of punch.

However, the Ravens are 2-1, and that is primarily because of their defense. Yes, many of their players are old by NFL standards, but they are still getting the job done. Linebacker Ray Lewis may not have the skills he once had, but he does a masterful job of motivating his teammates.

As for the Titans, life is great, but playing on the road is tough. True, they did post an impressive road win at Cincinnati earlier this season, but that win has been tainted somewhat by how truly awful the Bengals are.

The Titans are the better team, and the Ravens are coming off an emotional loss last Monday, meaning they've had a shorter week to prepare for this game.

Are the Titans due for a let down? It will happen at some point...but not this week.

The pick: Tennessee 17 Baltimore 10

Other picks: Indianapolis over Houston, Jacksonville over Pittsburgh, New Orleans over Minnesota, Carolina over Kansas City, Denver over Tampa Bay

Last week: 4-2 (.667), Overall: 14-9 (.609)