Baltimore Ravens 2018-19 - NFL Season Preview & Future Odds Predictions

The Baltimore Ravens finished last season 9-7 and were knocked out of playoff contention in the final seconds of Week 17 by AFC North rivals the Cincinnati Bengals. Coach John Harbaugh is under the microscope of team owners and veteran quarterback is feeling pressure from the multi-talented dual-threat rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Baltimore has failed to make the postseason for three straight seasons and over the offseason the offense was overhauled while the defense will return with almost the same unit.

For the majority of last season the Ravens’ did not perform well. Change came quick during the offseason with four of the five top receivers for last season no longer with the team. Three veterans took their places in Michael Crabtree, Willie Snead and John Brown, while two rookie tight ends Mark Andrews and Hayden Hurst arrived via the draft.

Much more out of Flacco and the receivers is needed this season. Last season Flacco threw for 250 or more yards in four of the team’s 16 regular season games. In 2017, the running game reappeared for the Ravens with Alex Collins, an early September pick up after being released by Seattle, rushed for 973 yards with six TDs.

The offensive line allowed just 27 sacks in 2017. Alex Lewis and Marshal Yanda return from injuries that sidelined both most of last season. Matt Skura will be Ryan Jensen’s replacement at center, but Skura has never started in the NFL at that position. Right tackle will be fought over by James Hurst and Orlando Brown.

The defense from last season returns nearly intact. However, questions have arisen as to whether more could have been done during the offseason to make it stronger.

The defensive unit allowed 18.9 points per game, which was the sixth best in the league and was the league leader in takeaways with 34. However, the defense blew leads late in Pittsburgh near the end of the season and allowed Cincinnati to score the winning touchdown during the final minute of play on fourth down in Week 17 that ended the team’s playoff hopes.

The run defense was hurt with early injuries suffered by Brent Urban and Brandon Williams on the line. The defense needs young talents like Tim Williams and Tyus Bowser to develop into top pass rushers. Terrell Suggs may be 35, but remains one of the best on the Ravens defense. The Ravens are high on linebacker Matthew Judon, who made eight sacks in 2017.

The secondary remains strong with solid depth at cornerback especially if Jimmy Smith is able to return by the start of the season from an Achilles tendon surgery from last December. Marlon Humphrey was drafted in the first round in 2017 and played well as a rookie, and could replace veteran Brandon Carr outside. Throw in Maurice Canady and Tavon Young and the Ravens have more than enough corners. Safeties returning are Tony Jefferson and Eric Weddle, but the Ravens need to find depth there.