Offense
The best statistic for this team when it comes to offense is points per game. Baltimore averaged 24.7 PPG (9th NFL) last season. Their rush attack was ranked 11th, as it was good for 116.0 YPG. But after that, the stats dip. The air attack garnered just 189.4 YPG (29th NFL) and overall offense yards came in at 305.4 YPG. A very telling number was the team’s third-down conversion percentage, which stood at 34% (T-27th NFL).
Quarterbacks and Running Backs
Baltimore’s two top rushers return. Last season, second-year RB Alex Collins (212 ATT, 973 YDs, 4.6 YPA, 6 TDs) was productive. He was ranked ninth in the NFL amongst running backs. It was a massive breakout season for the young rusher. Second in on the rush was Javorius Allen (153 ATT, 591 YDs, 3.9 YPA, 4 TDs), who, in addition to his running stats, caught 43 passes for 250 yards and two TDs. He was a real asset on offense.
Receivers and Tight Ends
Four of Baltimore’s top five receivers from 2017 are no longer with them. However, the team did sign eight-year vet and free agent Michael Crabtree. Last season with the Raiders, Crabtree had 58 catches for 618 yards and eight touchdowns. He averaged 10.7 YPC. Crabtree is a number one receiver who is tough, fast, and sure-handed. He is a playmaker. Also new to the receiving ranks is free agent John Brown. For the Cardinals last season, Brown grabbed 21 passes for 299 yards and three scores. Rookie TE Haydn Hurst, from South Carolina, may get the start. The 25th pick overall in the draft, he’s a big, broad-shouldered pass catcher that teams will find tough matching up with.
Offensive Line
The O-line did a good job of opening alleys for the rush attack and in protecting the QB. They allowed just 27 sacks in 2017, which tied them for seventh in the league. In two seasons, Matt Skura has been solid and reliable at center. He’s a durable anchor for this frontline. James Hurst, who can play tackle or guard, is another important player in the trenches, as is franchise player Ronnie Stanley at tackle. The Ravens also added depth to this group through the draft.
Defense
Defensive Line
DE Brandon Williams is one of the best run stoppers in the league. It was noticed last year when he missed four games due to a foot injury. NT Michael Pierce made great strides in his second season, as he posted 49 tackles and a sack. At the other end, Willie Henry played in 14 games, making 32 tackles and 3.5 sacks. This is a good trio.
Linebackers
Our 2018 Baltimore Ravens NFL betting preview finds that the linebacking unit is even more stalwart than the D-line. Even though he’s in his mid-thirties, Terrell Suggs performed well. The OLB led the team with 11 sacks. ILB C.J. Mosely, who starts his fifth NFL season, led the team with 132 tackles. For the third time in four years, he went to the Pro Bowl. Also at ILB is Patrick Onwuasor. Onwuasor, who was in his second pro season last year, was second with 88 tackles. He appeared in 13 games. Finally, OLB Tyus Bowser, a second-round draft pick in 2017, made his mark with three sacks in 16 games.
Secondary
Of all Baltimore defensive units, the secondary is the best. Safety Eric Weedle, who’s now in his 12th NFL season, led the Ravens with a half-dozen picks. In the other safety spot, Tony Jefferson accumulated 79 tackles while making some big game-changing plays. Veteran CB Brandon Carr, who’s played 10 seasons, scooped four picks, while corner Jimmy Smith, who tore his Achilles on Dec. 3, may not be able to go at the start of 2018. The good news is second-year CB Marlon Humphrey, who was a first round pick from Alabama and replaced Smith, comes back after performing well as a sub.
Special Teams
Coaching
There’s no doubt about it that head coach John Harbaugh (104-71 Ravens and Overall, 10-5 Postseason) and his team of coaches are under intense scrutiny. If there’s one general problem with this team, it comes down to consistency. Harbaugh is an aggressive coach on both sides of the ball. Those risky decisions he makes often come back to hurt the team.
2018 Baltimore Ravens NFL Betting Preview: Final Word
When push comes to shove our 2018 Baltimore Ravens NFL betting preview finds that this team does have a lot of potential. But we seriously have to wonder if they do have the guy in the QB spot they need to make things happen?
2018 Baltimore Ravens NFL Betting Preview Projection: 8-8 Record, 2nd AFC North
Unit Ratings
Offense:
QB: 7.0, RB: 8.3, OL: 8.4, WR: 8.5, TE: 7.0
Defense
DL: 7.4, LB: 7.8, DB: 8.1
Special Teams
PK: 9.1, PT: 9.0, RT: 8.2
Other
Coaching: 7.3
Intangibles: With his coaching job probably on the line, can Harbaugh get this team in the playoffs?
Overall Rating = 8.2
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