Can Ravens Match 2019 NFL Season?
It was a season to remember for QB Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. The Ravens clinched the top seed in the AFC with a 14-2 record while Jackson ran away with the MVP. However, their season ended early, with a loss in the divisional round to the Titans.
Heading into the 2020 campaign, odds-makers have placed Baltimore’s over-under win total at 11.5, tied for the highest total in the NFL. So let’s take a deeper dive into the Ravens’ moves during the offseason as well as their upcoming schedule and decide whether the over or under is the smart play.
Offseason Summary
After winning 14 games, there weren’t many additions Baltimore needed to make. The biggest move came from the acquisition of former All-Pro DE Calais Campbell, who came over in a trade from the Jaguars. They also signed Broncos DE Derek Wolfe and Jaguars LB Jake Ryan, bolstering the depth of their defense.
The Ravens did say goodbye to a few members from last season’s first place club. They traded TE Hayden Hurst to the Falcons and DE Chris Wormley to the division-rival Steelers. DT Michael Pierce signed a three-year deal with the Vikings, while WR Seth Roberts signed with the Panthers. The team also said goodbye to veteran CB Brandon Carr after declining his team option.
Baltimore’s draft was praised almost universally for the value they found throughout. That began with their first round selection of LSU LB Patrick Queen. The next round, they snagged the perfect complement to Mark Ingram with Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins. They also had four third round selections, including Texas WR Devin Duvernay and Texas A&M Justin Madubuike. Michigan OG Ben Bredeson and Iowa S Geno Stone were also selections that were lauded for their value.
2020 Schedule
The Ravens had the best record in the NFL last season, but have a schedule that a last place team would be thrilled with. According to strength-of-schedule, Baltimore’s opponents this year combined for a .438 winning percentage last season, by far the lowest mark in the NFL. The next easiest schedule belongs to the Steelers, whose opponents had a .457 winning percentage in 2019. Playing the NFC East and AFC South play a role in the ease of the schedule for the Ravens.
Two of Baltimore’s toughest games happen early in the year, with back-to-back matchups at the Texans and hosting the Chiefs. They also have road games in Philadelphia and New England against the Eagles and Patriots, plus a road game right after their Week 8 bye against the Colts. But the season ends favorably from them, with a final three-week stretch against the Jaguars, Giants and Bengals, three teams who are all expected to be near the bottom of the standings this season.
Verdict for the Ravens
Unlike last season, the Ravens will sneak up on no one. They will enter the year with a target on their backs, especially the reigning MVP Jackson. However, the bulk of their team has returned, and additions like Campbell and their new draft class will offset their departing players. It also helps that they have an easy schedule, with their final six opponents of the year missing the playoffs last season and the Colt-Patriots stretch being their hardest two weeks of the season.
Ultimately, I think Baltimore is primed for another great season. Their run game was the best in football last season and will only get better with the addition of Dobbins. Their defense is still strong, and as long as Jackson is healthy he will be able to be a dual-threat force. I would almost feel comfortable taking the over on 12.5 wins, so I’m feeling confident in the OVER on 11.5 wins for the Ravens. Head to our favorite pay per head bookie site at www.A1PPH.com on the Ravens.
