I generally try to avoid indulging the Baltimore Ravens many column centimetres, fearing that my purple-and-black goggles could perhaps cloud my judgment.

Yet, it is impossible to ignore the play of the Ravens at present as they have emerged as the likely AFC representative in the Super Bowl.

On Monday, Baltimore notched their fourth straight win (and sixth from seven) in a suffocating display against the hapless Indianapolis Colts. Impressively, the last three of those wins have come without their Hall-of-Fame linebacker Ray Lewis, who has been sidelined due to injury.

As is the norm with the Ravens, they rank in the top five in both rushing and passing yards allowed per game. They concede 13 points per game, meaning that on average Baltimore's opponents are held to under two touchdowns.

Linebacker Terrell Suggs has cemented his place as the heir-apparent leader of the team with a terrific season; amassing 58 tackles, 13 sacks, six forced fumbles and two interceptions. "T-Sizzle" appears to be a shoo-in to claim Defensive Player of the Year honours.

However, the reason while Baltimore should be considered one of the favourites to hoist the Lombardi trophy is actually their offensive improvements in 2011.

While it's fantastic that Baltimore's defense is at an elite level, that isn't really anything new. The Ravens won the 2000 Super Bowl on the back of their supreme defense.

Yet, this year Baltimore's much-maligned offense has come to the party. They average slightly less than 28 points per game, so basically four touchdowns a game.

That's a two touchdown differential on their opponents.

Plus, it's an offense built for the playoffs.

Inconsistent quarterback Joe Flacco isn't relied upon as the ‘creator'; instead he is simply tasked with managing the Ravens. That's not selling Flacco short, as he has shown at times this career that when given the chance he can get the ball deep, often to speedster wide-receiver Torrey Smith.

Yet, it is Ray Rice that makes the offense tick. The 5'8'' running back entered the season as a player knocking on the door of the elite ranks.

He has kicked that door down.

Rice has rushed for over 1000 yards and 10 touchdowns, while also contributing two more as a receiver. Monday marked back-to-back 100-yard games for the New York native, showing just how important he is to the squad.

When you add players the caliber of Anquan Boldin, Ed Dickson and Vonta Leach to the mix, you have one of the best-balanced units in the NFL.

If the defense and offense can continue to operate at their highest level, Baltimore will be tough to stop. 

WHAT TIME IS IT? 

Tebowmania was once again runnin' wild on Monday, as Tim Tebow led his Denver Broncos to another comeback, overtime triumph.

After weeks of steadfast denial, Denver have finally announced that Tebow will be the team's quarterback in 2012 ...provided he gets Denver into the playoffs.

Normally I'm not one to buy into conspiracy theories, like the one in Denver which says General Manager John Elway doesn't want Tebow leading his franchise, but it's impossible to ignore the signs in this instance.

Tebow took charge of a dismal 1-4 side that has no chance of winning four games, let alone making a playoff spot. Since replacing Kyle Orton, Tebow (and a much improved Broncos defense) is 7-1, winning its last six.

Admittedly, Tebow has still appeared to be far from a polished product at times, but for his team to suggest that his job is in jeopardy without a playoff appearance is ridiculous.

Denver hasn't had a franchise quarterback since John Elway and, while he isn't perfect, Tebow is the closest they've got.

If he keeps winning games, he will cement that spot in the next fortnight. 

RECORD BREAKERS

History was made in the NFL this weekend; Houston booked their first ever playoff appearance, Maurice Jones-Drew set a career mark for rushing touchdowns for Jacksonville and Rob Gronkowski broke the single season receiving touchdown mark for Tight Ends.

Oh, and Aaron Rodgers tied the single-season high for passing touchdowns in Green Bay. By breaking the record next week (or so we'd expect) Rodgers will continue his usurping of one-time would-be mentor, Brett Favre.