Baltimore Sun columnist Mike Preston will answer fans’ questions in the middle of each week throughout the Ravens’ season. After a Christmas Day blowout win over the Texans, Baltimore (11-5) hosts the Cleveland Browns (3-13) in Week 18 of the NFL season. If the Ravens beat the Browns, they’ll win the AFC North title.

Here’s Preston’s take on a handful of questions from readers:

(Editor’s note: Questions have been edited for length and clarity.)

What, if any, should be some New Year’s resolutions for the Ravens’ organization and some of the players? And do you have any personal ones? — Ed Helinski, Auburn, NY

I would assume the entire franchise wants to get into the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Last season was so disappointing with the Ravens losing here in Baltimore to Kansas City, 17-10, in the AFC championship game. At the time, I thought the Ravens had the best team in the NFL, and so did many within the organization. They aren’t as strong or as balanced as a year ago, but they still have enough talent to get into the championship. As with any team, you have to play well, bounces have to go your way and fate does play a hand.

As for personal resolutions? I don’t have any. The Lord has blessed me with good health throughout the years, and I am truly thankful.

Mike, I was curious to know who tells a player they will be a healthy scratch. The Marcus Williams situation made me think of this. I imagine most players don’t take this news well. — Rich Lee

Rich, I couldn’t come up with a definite answer so I checked around the league. In general, it depends on the player. Some players, those who haven’t made a name for themselves and are on special teams, say they have a “feel” because if their names have disappeared from those units, they won’t play. If the names are on it, they will play. In some cases, they aren’t even told.

I’ve talked to two players who said they were told by their position coaches whether they were going to be healthy scratches for the upcoming game. With players who have been around for a while or earned Pro Bowl honors, they probably get told by coordinators as well, maybe even the head coach. I would assume they have earned that respect for all those years of service. In some cases, I would assume those situations can become somewhat heated but it’s no different for the rest of us in our daily lives. The news isn’t always good.

In looking at the starters on the offensive line, what do you think is the line’s greatest strengths? — Josh

This group blocks well in the running game, which is one of the reasons why Derrick Henry has fit in so well. The Ravens work inside and outside blocking zones as well as combination blocks, and last week offensive coordinator Todd Monken did a great job of working angle blocks against Houston’s front four.

As long as the Ravens run the ball well, they can succeed because everything is predicated on the running game, including the play-action passing game and the run-pass options. When this group struggles, so does the offense, because pass blocking isn’t its forte. Quarterback Lamar Jackson has done a great job of being able to improvise and extend plays.

Have a question for Mike Preston? Email sports@baltsun.com with “Ravens mailbag” in the subject line and it could be answered in The Baltimore Sun.