OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Although they have dealt with ups and downs all season, the Baltimore Ravens still control their playoff destiny.

Nonetheless, coach John Harbaugh knows there is little margin for error.

Baltimore heads into a Week 14 matchup against the Miami Dolphins, who are also fighting for their playoff lives. With a heartbreaking loss to San Diego on Sunday, the Ravens fell to 7-5 and are just outside the postseason picture, in eighth place.

Baltimore has two games at home and two on the road remaining, and they likely have to win three to earn a spot in the postseason.

“We look at the standings and we are right in the thick of it, and it’s going to go down to the wire,” Harbaugh said. “And we have a huge game down in Miami this week, and it’ll be a lot on the line. They’ll be ready, and they’re good. So, we’ll have a great opportunity to make a move.”

Most important, Baltimore did not lose much ground in the AFC North because both Pittsburgh and Cleveland lost and all three teams are 7-5. The Bengals beat Tampa Bay and lead the division at 8-3-1, but that certainly is not an insurmountable gap to close.

“It’s going to be very competitive down to the wire to make the playoffs, to win the division,” Harbaugh said. “And we are in the thick of it, and we are excited about that, and we’re looking forward to taking advantage of that opportunity.”

The team got further good news on receiver Torrey Smith, who suffered a knee injury near the end of the game Sunday and was held out of the final series. He is not expected to miss any time.

However, fellow receiver Marlon Brown is still undergoing concussion tests and his availability is uncertain. Receiver Michael Campanaro, who has missed four games with a hamstring injury, could be available against the Dolphins.

“Campanaro, he just has a hamstring, and it has just been slow,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t know what else to say. It has been slow. It was supposed to be two weeks ago. Now you’re just at the point where it’s, ‘Let me know when you’re ready.’ And hamstrings are like that. That’s just a fact of it. He has been killing himself. He’s working really hard, and I think there’s a chance for this week, but now you get to the point where I’m just not going to count on him until he’s back.”

Baltimore’s offense has scored more than 30 points in each game since the bye, but it has to do a better job converting in the red zone. The Ravens are 10th in the league in total offense, but 16th on defense, allowing 360.2 yards and 20.2 points per game.

The most glaring weakness is the secondary, which has allowed big plays throughout the season. The Ravens could get some support with the return of cornerback Asa Jackson, who was placed on short-term injured reserve in October with of a toe injury. Jackson has been practicing for the past two weeks and is looking to be back in the lineup against the Dolphins.

“He had a good week last week and I’m very optimistic,” Harbaugh said.

Defensive coordinator Dean Pees is still going to have to get creative with schemes to compensate for the group’s inability to shut down receivers. One solution is a more aggressive pass rush to take some pressure off the cornerbacks. However, the league’s upper-echelon quarterbacks routinely adjust to that strategy with quick passes.

“You just have to play better,” Harbaugh said. “We have to make some plays back there.”

REPORT CARD VS. CHARGERS

–PASSING OFFENSE: B-minus — Quarterback Joe Flacco was effective managing the game and did not commit any turnovers. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 225 yards, with a pair of touchdowns to wide receiver Torrey Smith, and ran for another score. However, Baltimore struggled inside the red zone and Steve Smith had his worst game as a Raven, catching one pass for two yards and dropping two. Still, when the offense scores 33 points, Baltimore should expect to win the game.

–RUSHING OFFENSE: A — Justin Forsett did his part, setting the tone for the offense. He had 106 yards on 24 carries and eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time in his seven-year career. Baltimore ran for 125 yards.

–PASS DEFENSE: F — The secondary has struggled for most of the season, but it had its worst day against the Chargers. Quarterback Philip Rivers picked them apart, completing 34 of 45 passes for 383 yards and three touchdowns. A pass interference penalty by cornerback Anthony Levine in the end zone in the final minute set up San Diego’s winning touchdown.

–RUSH DEFENSE: B-minus — The Ravens were solid as the Chargers managed just 64 yards on the ground. However, they did allow running back Ryan Mathews to score a key 14-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Baltimore has not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 21 games — the longest streak in the NFL.

–SPECIAL TEAMS: A — Jacoby Jones returned four kicks for 133 yards, including one for 72. Justin Tucker made all four of his field goal attempts, with the longest from 33 yards. Coverage was solid. Sam Koch punted once for 39 yards.

–COACHING: D — The Ravens suffered a setback to their playoff hopes. The coaching staff struggled with clock management, allowing Joe Flacco to throw the ball late in the fourth quarter, which gave the Chargers enough time for the winning score. The team also committed 14 penalties for 98 yards, which was the second-most in team history. It was a sloppy game all-around.