Ravens will need more than emotion to beat Denver

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Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens walks across the field after losing to the Denver Broncos at M&T Bank Stadium on December 16, 2012 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
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Posted: 01/07/2013

By: By DAVID GINSBURG, AP Sports Writer

OWINGS MILLS, Md. (AP) -

Fueled with emotion from the impending retirement of Ray Lewis and a fervent home crowd, the Baltimore Ravens dispatched the Indianapolis Colts in the opening round of the AFC playoffs.

It's going to take more than unbridled enthusiasm to defeat the top-seeded Denver Broncos on Saturday.

In defeating Indianapolis 24-9 on Sunday, the Ravens (11-6) drew inspiration from a crowd that never stopped cheering before, during and after Lewis' final home game. The standout middle linebacker intends to retire after Baltimore ends its playoff run, and the Ravens had no intention of seeing Lewis end his 17-year career with a home loss.

Now, however, Baltimore takes to the road to face the Broncos (13-3), who have won 11 straight -- including a 34-17 rout of the Ravens last month.