Injuries are part of life in the NFL and the Ravens clearly hope the bug bites elsewhere in 2016, particularly when it comes to their quarterback Joe Flacco who missed the final six games of 2015 with a knee injury. Baltimore got the worst of it last season with the most players of any team on injured reserve.
By the end of the year the Ravens were not close to resembling the team that many picked as division and playoff contenders. They endured their worst season by far since John Harbaugh arrived on the scene, ending the year with a 5-11 record. Flacco is said to be ready for training camp. But even a healthy Joe might not have changed the course of the Ravens downward spiraling season in 2015.
Baltimore Ravens Regular Season Win Total Odds at BookMaker.eu
Ravens Over 8.5 Wins +118
Ravens Under 8.5 Wins -140
The Ravens followed their uncharacteristic 5-11 season, the first losing campaign in Harbaugh’s eight-year regime, with an equally unusual offseason. Not known to dabble in the free agent market, Baltimore was aggressive in free agency, inking established veterans Mike Wallace, Benjamin Watson and Eric Weddle, while also making sure several of their own stayed with the organization.
The signings, coupled with an 11-player draft class, have strengthened a roster that was short on talent and healthy bodies last year. Harbaugh and general manager Ozzie Newsome believe the team is as deep at the offensive skill positions as it’s been in years.
But in order to rebound and return to its place among the AFC’s elite, the Ravens will still be largely dependent on veterans – Flacco, running back Justin Forsett, receiver Steve Smith Sr. and linebacker Terrell Suggs – returning to form following significant injuries in 2015.
2016 Baltimore Ravens Schedule
Week 1: vs. Buffalo Bills ( +2.5 )
Week 2: at Cleveland Browns ( +3 )
Week 3: at Jacksonville Jaguars PK
Week 4: vs. Oakland Raiders ( +2 )
Week 5: vs. Washington Redskins ( +2.5 )
Week 6: at New York Giants ( -3 )
Week 7: at New York Jets ( -4 )
Week 8: BYE
Week 9: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers ( -2.5 )
Week 10: vs. Cleveland Browns ( +8.5 )
Week 11: at Dallas Cowboys ( -4.5 )
Week 12: vs. Cincinnati Bengals ( -1.5 )
Week 13: vs. Miami Dolphins ( +3 )
Week 14: at New England Patriots ( -9 )
Week 15: vs. Philadelphia Eagles ( -3 )
Week 16: at Pittsburgh Steelers ( -8 )
Week 17: at Cincinnati
Hammered by two road trips that saw the Ravens play back-to-back weeks out west each time in the first half of the 2015 season, they get a break in 2016. The farthest west the team travels in 2016 is to Dallas. By the way, Baltimore lost those four games last year, including a stupefying loss in Santa Clara, Calif. to the 49ers. From that standpoint alone, 2016 should be much easier. Now, if the team can avoid injuries.
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By the end of the 2015 season, the Ravens’ starting quarterback, running back, No. 1 receiver, tight end, left tackle and center were all on injured reserve, making it difficult to evaluate Marc Trestman’s first year as offensive coordinator. But the group’s shortcomings were evident even before the injuries hit.
Now they have a gimpy Flacco working with a rookie blindside protector. That could affect Trestman’s play calling early in the season. That said the Ravens have more firepower on offense than they’ve had since Flacco’s arrival. With a top-notch collection of tight ends, added speed at wide receiver and a collection of versatile running backs, points should not be a problem for Baltimore.
After a ton of injuries and a brutal schedule in 2015, the Ravens are better equipped this year and have a far less formidable slate, but they remain dependent on veterans coming off injuries. If healthy, they should compete for a wild card playoff spot and a nine- or 10-win season sounds about right.
NFL Odds: Baltimore Ravens Over 8 Wins
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