The Baltimore Ravens have perennially been one of the stronger franchises in the NFL over the past couple of decades but had a down season in 2015. The Ravens dropped several close games and were hit hard by injuries, and what resulted was a disappointing 5-11 campaign. Despite that step backward, there is optimism it was only a one-season blip. Baltimore has decent odds to return to the playoffs, especially for a team coming off a season with only five wins. The Ravens are slight favorites to miss out on the playoffs, at -155, with their odds of making the playoffs set at +125 in NFL betting.
The Ravens weren’t very good on either side of the ball in 2015, but much of it can be explained due to injuries. Running back Justin Forsett had 151 carries for 641 yards and two touchdowns but only played in 10 games. Quarterback Joe Flacco was 266-of-413 passing for 2,791 yards with 14 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, a down year for him, and missed the final six games as well because of a knee injury. Wide receiver Steve Smith had 46 catches for 670 yards but missed nine games, and although he said he was retiring after last season, is now back for one more year. Kamar Aiken took advantage of his playing time to amass 75 catches for 944 yards and five touchdowns.
The Ravens lost star linebacker Terrell Suggs before he played a down last season when Suggs tore his Achilles. He hopes to return back to the form of a dominant player like Suggs has been throughout his career, but the injury and his advancing age leave some question marks there. Baltimore gave up 25.1 points per game, which was 25th in the NFL. It was a departure from Baltimore usually-high standard as its defense has long been one of the top ones in the NFL. Linebacker C.J. Mosley was a standout while Jimmy Smith was solid in the secondary, but the Ravens need some better depth overall. The Ravens defense will be buoyed by the addition of star safety Eric Weddle, but Weddle and Suggs will likely need to excel or else the defense could have some trouble.
The AFC has some clear top teams which includes the New England Patriots, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals. From there it is murky. The Ravens aren’t seen as being on the same plane as the Kansas City Chiefs or Denver Broncos, but if Flacco can improve and the veterans on defense remain at an elite level, it’s not hard to see a quick turnaround. Baltimore shouldn’t be held to only five wins this year, but it still won’t be easy to make the playoffs unless some veterans step up their game. In the end, the Ravens are more likely than not to miss the playoffs again in 2016, and the odds reflect as much in NFL betting.
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day as we study the playoff chances for the Baltimore Ravens, who were ravaged by injuries in 2015 but hope to bounce back and make a postseason push behind Joe Flacco, Terrell Suggs, Eric Weddle and Steve Smith! The user-friendly wagering interface on your smartphone provides an easy way to place bets on the go. Mobile betting lines are updated by the minute so click here to start gambling on thrilling live action at BookMaker sportsbook!
