OWINGS MILLS, Md. — The Baltimore Ravens know just how important Sunday’s game against the Miami Dolphins is when it comes to their playoff outlook.

One year after the Ravens (7-5) failed to qualify for the playoffs for the first time under coach John Harbaugh, they’re facing what basically amounts to a must-win situation against the Dolphins (7-5) at Sun Life Stadium.

“Without a doubt, there’s no other way to put it than it’s a game we have to win,” said offensive tackle Eugene Monroe, who’s never been on a playoff team. “Definitely, we need this one. There are only four games left. It’s crunch time.”

The Ravens aren’t attempting to minimize the importance of this game. If the season were over now, the Ravens would fall outside the AFC playoff field. Should they beat the Dolphins, their playoff outlook would improve markedly.

“It’s definitely crucial,” fullback Kyle Juszczyk said. “It would go a long way to get us going in this last quarter of the season.”

“We have to force our way into the playoffs,” rookie defensive tackle Timmy Jernigan said. “We’ve got to win out.”

The Ravens are 4-0 against the Dolphins under Harbaugh, including the playoffs, with three consecutive wins in Miami.

“It’s a fine line between making the playoffs, winning the division, those kinds of things,” Harbaugh said. “December football, it’s where teams separate themselves. It doesn’t really matter that we’re playing another team that’s in the hunt because there are so many teams in the hunt. I don’t care who you’re playing this week. If you’re in the hunt and you lose, you’re in trouble.”

As far as running back Justin Forsett is concerned, Sunday’s game amounts to a postseason situation. And veteran outside linebacker Terrell Suggs said he believes the Ravens need to win out to make the playoffs.

“It’s very important,” Forsett said. “I feel like this game coming up is a playoff game for us. So will be the other games we play in December. It’s important for us to get this W.”

SERIES HISTORY: The Dolphins lead 5-4. The Ravens won 26-24 last season and have won the past four.

NOTES: CB Asa Jackson (foot) remains on injured reserve-designated to return, but expressed optimism that his roster status will change in time for Sunday. “I’ve been working so long to get this foot back right,” Jackson said. “Hopefully, it will be good the rest of the week and I don’t have any setbacks and then it will be up to the coaches at the end of the week. Everything is directed toward Sunday. That’s what I’m working for.” … RB Justin Forsett didn’t practice Wednesday due to a minor knee injury, he is expected to start and have his usual workload Sunday. … WR Michael Campanaro (pulled hamstring) practiced fully and is expected to be available Sunday. … WR Torrey Smith (right knee) and WR Marlon Brown (concussion) didn’t practice Wednesday but are expected to play Sunday.