Baltimore may turn its focus onto the Orioles after Sunday

Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

In order for the Baltimore Ravens to make the playoffs this season, not only must they defeat the Cleveland Browns, but they also need the Kansas City Chiefs to defeat the San Diego Chargers. And if this does not happen on Sunday, then the Ravens 2014 season is over and the city of Baltimore will change its focus from football to baseball in anticipation of the Orioles’ Opening Day.

Now I understand not all Orioles fans happen to also be Ravens fans so for those that are not I apologize in advance for this article.

Beating the 7-8 Browns should be an easy task for the Ravens being that the Cleveland’s defense and run game are poor and their No. 1 and No. 2 quarterbacks are hurt.

However, if last week’s game against the Houston Texans showed us anything it is that you cannot count out your opponent despite the odds stacked against them. What will give Baltimore trouble is trusting in the Chiefs to beat the Chargers.

Although the Chiefs are fighting for playoff berth themselves, one issue is in their way: their starting quarterback. Alex Smith was their everyday starter at the quarterback position, but an unexpected lacerated will force Chase Daniels to make just his second career start in the NFL as quarterback. His last start was, coincidentally, against the Chargers in Week 17 last season.

The odds are stacked against the Ravens. With that being said, if they do not make the playoffs, Baltimore sports fans will put away their purple clothes and be quick to pull out their orange gear for the Orioles.

After an exciting and historic 2014 season, fans are excited to see what general manager Dan Duquette and manager Buck Showalter will have to offer in 2015.

Fans can expect great defense and a power-hungry offense from the Orioles. Ironically, in that regard, the Baltimore Orioles are built much like the Baltimore Ravens.