The Baltimore Ravens made it to the playoffs a season ago in quarterback Lamar Jackson’s rookie campaign, and believe they are well on their way to a repeat berth in 2019. The current NFL odds aren’t as sure as Baltimore is an underdog to return to the postseason. Jackson will have to show he can beat teams with his arm, while the defense lost some key players and will need to prove that it is just as fearsome as in past years. If Baltimore returns to the playoffs in 2019 it will feel good about its trajectory as an organization, but doing so could be easier said than done.
NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Ravens odds to make the playoffs
Yes +180
No -220
Ravens Playoff Odds Analysis
Baltimore went 10-6 last season and made it to the wild card round of the playoffs before falling to the Chargers. The Ravens brought in Jackson down the stretch and the record with him under center was fantastic, although that was more on the strength of a defense which finished second in points allowed in 2018.
Baltimore would love to reach double-digit wins again in an NFC North that could go a number of different ways. The Pittsburgh Steelers are always strong, while the Cleveland Browns are one of the hottest young teams in the league. The Ravens must play those teams and the Cincinnati Bengals twice this year, as well as face off against the Dolphins, Cardinals, Chiefs, Seahawks, Patriots, Texans, Rams, 49ers, Bills and Jets.
Baltimore Ravens Odds
Jackson started seven games last season and the Ravens won six of them. He threw for 1,201 yards with six touchdowns and three interceptions while adding 695 yards rushing on 4.7 yards per carry. Jackson is not a polished passer but has shown progress this offseason, and if he can beat teams with his arm the Ravens will be in great shape. Baltimore changed up its wide receiver corps this offseason, as John Brown and Michael Crabtree left in free agency, replaced by first round pick Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown and Willie Snead. Mark Andrews has developed into a solid tight end and should have a big role, while running back Mark Ingram was added to help Jackson in the ground game.
The Baltimore offense may be up and down as Jackson is still a young quarterback who is expected to experience growing pains this season. The onus will be on the defense to once again lead the way. It dealt with a big shakeup this offseason, as star inside linebacker C.J. Mosley and longtime edge rusher Terrell Suggs left in free agency. Eric Weddle was let go, but the Ravens replaced him at safety with perennial Pro Bowler Earl Thomas, so they should be fine there. The cornerback group looks solid, led by Marlon Humphrey. Baltimore has been one of the best defenses in the NFL for several seasons, and despite some high-profile losses, believes it is going to remain in the upper echelon once again in 2019.
Key Stats or Trends
The Ravens looked good down the stretch with Jackson, but that was a small sample size. It is tough to know if that is the start of a promising trend for this franchise or an aberration. Baltimore traded longtime starter Joe Flacco to the Broncos in the offseason, handing the keys over to Jackson as the team’s quarterback of the present and future.
The Ravens have some very winnable games on their schedule but also a handful against some of the best in the NFL. Baltimore needs to take care of business in the easy ones, and if it can pull off a few upsets, the playoffs will be in play. It is going to be a fascinating season for a Ravens team that is hoping to transition to a mobile quarterback while also keeping the passing game strong.
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!
