The Ravens have another opportunity to embrace the underdog role, this time in the AFC championship game against the New England Patriots.
Playing at home - where they've won seven of nine this season - the Patriots have been installed as 9 1/2-point favorites Sunday to beat Baltimore and advance to the Super Bowl.
The Ravens have already defeated New England this season and are coming off a stunning upset on the road against top-seeded Denver. Yet, it appears they're still not getting any respect.
And the Ravens are just fine with it.
After eliminating the Broncos 38-35 in double-overtime Saturday, the Ravens watched New England defeat Houston on Sunday. Baltimore might have had an easier time against the Texans, but many of the Ravens longed for a rematch of last year's AFC title game, won by the Patriots 23-20.
For one year now, the Ravens have been striving to be in this position - back in the AFC title game. Ever since Lee Evans had the potential game-winning catch poked from his grasp and Billy Cundiff followed by hooking a 32-yard field goal attempt, Baltimore has been eager for another chance to play for a shot at a Super Bowl berth.
Underdogs or not, the Ravens are playing the Patriots for the conference crown. Again.
