Entering the 2017 season, the Baltimore Ravens are one of the more controversial teams of the NFL. Some believe the Ravens will return to their form, and slide into the postseason. Others, however, believe the Ravens will fall short of the playoffs for a third straight season. The Ravens definitely have a challenge ahead of them this season. The year could either yield them a playoff berth, or they could fall short of it yet again. Here are the best and worst-case scenarios, along with predictions for the Ravens 2017 season.
Ravens 2017 Best and Worst Case Scenarios
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Best Case Scenario – The Ravens finish as division winners with an 11-5 record.
- In this scenario, the Baltimore Ravens’ offense performs at its highest level since 2014. First and foremost, the running game gets back into form. Terrance West rushes for over 1,000 yards, while the other running backs combine for about 400 yards rushing. Joe Flacco plays like an elite quarterback, throwing for around 3,500 yards, and 25 touchdowns. Because the Ravens running game picks up, Flacco is limited to around 35 passing attempts per game, as opposed to last year’s 42. Mike Wallace and Jeremy Maclin combined for around 2,000 receiving yards. Breshad Perriman also finds his way as a young receiver, reaching the 600 receiving yard mark. Finally, Danny Woodhead steps in for the check down role that Kyle Juszczyk filled last season. On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens are a top five ranked defense in the NFL. The secondary, led by safeties Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson, play extremely well against the passing attack and force many turnovers. The front seven, led by inside linebacker C.J. Mosley, outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, and defensive lineman Brandon Williams, are able to shut down the opponent’s running game. The pass rushers also pressure opposing quarterbacks very well, ending with over 30 sacks this season. This scenario will also require that the Steelers finish either 11-5 or below. Baltimore must beat them twice to have a realistic shot at winning the division.
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Worst Case Scenario – The Ravens finish third in the division with a 7-9 record.
- In this scenario, the Baltimore Ravens offense falls back into the mediocrity of the 2016 season. Offensive coordinator Marty Morinwheg learns nothing from last season, and makes no major changes to the offense, again relying heavily on the passing game. The offense again relies too heavily on Joe Flacco, passing around 42 times per game again. The running game goes stagnant, and Terrance West is unable to break the 800-yard mark rushing. Jeremy Maclin proves to be just a shell of his former self and Breshad Perriman proves to be a draft bust, with another mediocre season. With only one legitimate weapon in Mike Wallace, Joe Flacco performs relatively poor but is a stable figure on the offense. The defense proves to be solid, but not as good as once thought to be. The secondary plays well for the Ravens, but are unable to come up with many turnovers. With the departure of Zachary Orr, the inside linebackers struggle to contain the running game, and C.J. Mosley is the only real player of that group. The pass rushers also struggle to play up to expectations. An aged Terrell Suggs fails to establish consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the young players behind him struggle to find production. The Ravens lose to the Steelers twice during the season and split the matchups with the Bengals and Browns.
2017 Season Ravens Predictions
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2017 Ravens Prediction: Baltimore finishes at 10-6, earn a wildcard berth.
- The Baltimore Ravens in 2017 will find their way back to the playoffs for the first time since 2014. The team will be lead by the defense, which will be a top five NFL defense this year. The secondary, led by Eric Weddle and Tony Jefferson plays lights out against opposing passing attacks, giving quarterbacks major headaches. The front seven also plays their part in slowing down opposing passers. Baltimore’s pass rush gets pressure often. Young players like Matthew Judon and Tyus Bowser step up into a high level of play, lifting some responsibility off of Terrell Suggs. Both the linebackers and defensive line also are able to stop opposing rushing attack very well, limiting opposing rushers’ productivity. The Ravens offense is much improved from last season. Thanks to a productive run game, Baltimore’s offense is able to get back on track. Terrance West rushes for over 900 yards this season, with Buck Allen behind him rushing for around 400 yards. Danny Woodhead is a productive pass catching running back, filling the void left by Kyle Juszczyk. Joe Flacco plays his best since 2014, thanks to the run game kicking back into gear, and opening the play-action pass opportunities. Mike Wallace and Jeremy Maclin combine for around 2,000 yards receiving, and Breshad Perriman progresses to around 500 yards. The Ravens play well but are unable to claim the division, as the Steelers do instead. Baltimore does, however, make the playoffs through a wildcard spot.
