After the 28-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns Thursday night, the Ravens now get to enjoy a "mini-bye weekend."
While the Ravens take some time to relax and recover, they'll likely keep an eye on some games around the country that could have a significant impact on the AFC playoff picture.
Here's an overview of the key Week 10 matchups and where your rooting interests should be:
Dallas Cowboys (7-1) vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (4-4)4:25 p.m.
After falling to the Ravens last week, the Steelers have another tough assignment against one of the best teams in the league. Led by rookie quarterback Dak Prescott and running back Ezekiell Elliott, the Cowboys had a fantastic first half of the season. Their recipe for success has been to pound the ball on the ground with Elliott, and they will likely stick with that approach as they travel to Heinz Field. The Ravens could sure use a favor from the Cowboys to give them a little breathing room in the AFC North race. The Ravens will also have an eye on this game because they're heading south to take on the Cowboys at AT&T Stadium next weekend.
Who to root for:Cowboys
Miami Dolphins (4-4) at San Diego Chargers (4-5)4:05 p.m.
This game doesn't necessarily have a direct impact on the Ravens, unless one of these teams were to play themselves into the wild-card conversation. The only real connection for the Ravens to either of these teams is that they play the Dolphins in Week 13. With that in mind, the Ravens could stand to benefit if the Dolphins lose a few games and don't have much to play for in that late-season matchup.
Who to root for:Chargers
Kansas Chiefs (6-2) vs. Carolina Panthers (3-5)1 p.m.
The defending NFC champions have struggled through the first half of the season, but the Ravens hope they can find their way against the Chiefs. Deciding on rooting interests is easy whenever it's an AFC-NFC matchup. Kansas City has one of the best records in the AFC and is well ahead of Baltimore in the wild-card race, but the Ravens could only benefit from a Panthers win.
Who to root for: Panthers
Denver Broncos (6-3) vs. New Orleans Saints (4-4)1 p.m.
The Broncos have lost three of their last five games after jumping out to a 4-0 start to open the season. Their AFC West might just be the best division in football, so the Broncos need to get straightened out if they are going to return to the postseason. The Saints also can't afford to lose more ground in their division race, and they are always tough to beat in the Superdome. A loss by Denver would put them within striking distance in the wild-card race, which could help give the Ravens another path to the postseason.
Who to root for:Saints
Cincinnati Bengals (3-4-1) at New York Giants (5-3)
8:30 p.m., Monday Night Football
The AFC North Bengals have struggled through a difficult schedule the first half of the season, but they are not out of the division race by any means. A win by the Giants would deliver a significant blow to their chances, and the Ravens hope that wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. can replicate the performance he had against them in Week 6. The entire country will be able to catch this matchup on Monday Night Football, but the Ravens coaching staff will already have its focus squarely on the Cowboys by this point.
Who to root for:Giants
