Hotels for Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Baltimore Ravens

December games take on extra weight as postseason positioning tightens, and crowds arrive bundled up for a slower, grind-it-out style of play that often suits the home team better than warm-weather visitors. Tailgating starts hours before kickoff, with lots filling early despite the winter chill.

The Ravens began play in 1996 after Cleveland's original Browns franchise relocated to Baltimore, though by league agreement the Browns' name, colours and history stayed in Cleveland, leaving Baltimore to start fresh. The new team's name was chosen by fan vote in honour of Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote 'The Raven' while living in the city.

Baltimore has won two Super Bowls, in the 2000 and 2012 seasons, the first built on a defense many regard as one of the best in NFL history. Ray Lewis anchored that unit and became the face of the franchise for well over a decade, and the Ravens' rivalry with the Steelers is known as one of the league's most physical.

Home to the Baltimore Ravens, M&T Bank Stadium anchors the city's Inner Harbor sports complex beside Camden Yards, in a revitalised stretch close to the waterfront. The National Aquarium and the lively Federal Hill neighbourhood are within easy reach. The Light Rail stops nearby, and the Charm City Circulator and MARC train serve the area. Booking a room near the Inner Harbor keeps Baltimore's restaurants, waterfront and transport links on the doorstep before and after the game.