Defense has been the cornerstone of the Baltimore Ravens for what seems like forever, and the group better be strong again in 2017 to hold up an offense that will rely on Joe Flacco for production. Not that the 10-year veteran signal caller can’t do the job, but his numbers slipped drastically last season and he isn’t getting any younger. The devastating knee injury suffered in 2015 may have led to the decline and if recovered from that and missing the entire preseason, the Ravens might be able to get nine victories.
Baltimore Ravens Futures Odds at BookMaker.eu
Ravens Over 8.5 Wins +127
Ravens Under 8.5 Wins -155
2017 Baltimore Ravens Offense Preview
If Flacco is unable to perform the offense is in deep trouble. He made a nice recovery from a knee injury that knocked him out late in the 2015 season and had decent numbers last season. But he was a little gun shy after returning and the big play wasn’t a factor in the passing game. Flacco completed a career-best 65 percent of his throws for 4,317 yards, but he had just 20 touchdown passes and averaged 6.4 yards per attempt.
He should be over the knee injury, but a back ailment prevented him from practicing and taking a single snap during the preseason. John Harbaugh insists that his quarterback will be ready for the opener, but how effective is he going to be?
The Ravens did little to help Flacco out during the offseason. Steve Smith retired and Jeremy Maclin was brought in as a replacement. There are few options on the outside other than Maclin and Mike Wallace. The run game wasn’t very good averaging just over 91 yards per game to finish 28th in the league, but they had the third-fewest attempts. Harbaugh wants to run the ball more and not rely on Flacco, but there are no game-changing threats. It’ll be another dull season offensively and it will be worse if Flacco can’t go and Ryan Mallett is inserted as the starter.
2017 Baltimore Ravens Defense Preview
The defense is good enough to keep the Ravens around the .500 mark, but without any help from their mates on the other side of the ball, the group will get worn down and beat up. After watching the defense fail too often last year, management took a huge step on that side of the ball. The draft produced four defenders with the first four picks and all are vying for playing time.
An inconsistent secondary was bolstered by the free agent signings of Tony Jefferson and Brandon Carr, which should help top corner Jimmy Smith, who has been plagued by injuries. The beef is up front and the Ravens have to continue to slow down opposing run games. They allowed just 89.4 yards per game and 3.7 yards per carry last season.
There is going to be plenty of pressure on the defense to carry the club with an offense that is questionable, and that’s if Flacco can play a full season. The D is solid and deep, which gives fans hope that the Ravens can make some noise in the division and return to the postseason for the first time in three seasons. To get there they’ll need at least nine wins.
2017 Baltimore Ravens Schedule Analysis
Getting off to a good start is always huge, but when the starting quarterback didn’t take a snap in preseason, it becomes even more important. And it might be a good thing if Flacco doesn’t play the opener in Cincinnati since he’s struggled to win at Paul Brown Stadium. But he will play if he’s able. And the first month actually sets up well for the Ravens, with the Bengals, Browns at home and the Jags in London, they could easily be undefeated by the time the Steelers arrive in Baltimore for a Week 4 tussle.
There are no sure things in the NFL, but the slate has several teams that struggled offensively last season, and that plays right into the Ravens’ strength. Defense is the name of Baltimore’s game and they should have plenty of success against the likes of the Bears, Vikings and Lions from the NFC North, and the offensively challenged Jags, Texans and Colts from the AFC South. Division games are always brutal and getting at least a split there puts the Ravens in line to go over the projected win total.
The Final Verdict
The Ravens probably have the most depth on defense that they’ve had in a number of years and that’s perfect for Harbauch. After two years of not making the postseason there is pressure on the coach to get his team back to the postseason, and he’ll ride the defense as far as he can. The group was strong in preseason action with starters not allowing a point and the team finishing No. 1 in total yards and points allowed.
But how far the team goes will be directly tied to the play of Flacco. He’s coming off a season where his numbers were good but the team struggled. There remain concerns on the line and in the run game, but if Flacco can control the flow, limit turnovers and take advantage of field position when the defense holds, reaching the over is real. Besides, the Ravens have the best kicker in the game and Justin Tucker will win a few games on his own.
NFL Odds: Baltimore Ravens Over 8.5 Wins
BookMaker offers play-by-play betting odds for live sporting events every day! 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!
