The Baltimore Ravens are one of the most imposing, well-rounded teams in the NFL. However, they’re not the favorite to win the competitive AFC North after a series of noteworthy subtractions during the offseason.
Here’s what you should know about the Ravens ahead of the 2024 NFL season.
Make sure to check out all of our other NFL Season Previews.
Offseason Recap
The Ravens had a tough offseason as they lost 15 players to free agency, and they also saw defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald leave for the head coaching position in Seattle. Macdonald was considered one of the best defensive coordinators in the NFL.
Baltimore also lost inside linebacker Patrick Queen to Pittsburgh, three offensive linemen, and running back Gus Edwards. They did replace Edwards with Derrick Henry, but the former rushing champion is clearly in the back half of his career.
BREAKING: Ravens signing RB Derrick Henry to two-year, $16 million deal worth up to $20M with $9M guaranteed. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/rzuT3vPNWy
— NFL (@NFL) March 12, 2024
Baltimore is one of the best teams in the NFL and always seems to draft well, but replacing a group of players who led them to the AFC Championship game last year is daunting.
Offense
Quarterback Lamar Jackson returns as one of the most explosive players in the NFL. The 2023 NFL MVP is coming off a good season and should continue to improve as a passer. As a runner, he is one of the biggest playmakers in the NFL. Todd Monken returns as offensive coordinator for his second year; last year, he was tasked with unlocking more of Lamar Jackson’s passing ability.
The question with the offense specifically is the playoffs. In the regular season, they are usually one of the best offenses. When they get a lead, they are nearly unbeatable because they run the ball so well.
Returning after a great rookie year is explosive wide receiver Zay Flowers. Flowers is the weapon Jackson always wanted at wide receiver.
Getting Henry in free agency could prove to be a good pickup, as well.
Finally, the Ravens will hope for Jackson to stay on the field. When healthy, he is one of the best players in the NFL.
In the THREE fully healthy seasons that Lamar Jackson has played with the Ravens… (2019, 2020, 2023)
— 𝙕𝙖𝙘𝙝🦦® (@NewEraZach) June 20, 2024
-They average 12 wins a season
-2 MVPs for Lamar
-Guaranteed playoff spot
-2 first seeds in the AFC
-Lamar has a 86-22 TD/INT ratio
-2 AFC North Division Title Crowns… pic.twitter.com/4zEoZ1Mwu6
Defense
Losing Queen to the Steelers is a huge loss for the Ravens. They also lost defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and defensive back Geno Stone. On a positive note, Baltimore did sign defensive lineman Justin Madubuike to an extension. Madubuike is one of the top interior defensive linemen in the NFL.
The Ravens also have budding superstar Kyle Hamilton returning at safety.
Within the coaching tree, the Ravens replaced Macdonald with Zach Orr, a young defensive mind who was previously Baltimore’s inside linebackers coach. I expect the defense to continue to play well, but taking a minor step back should be expected.
“It was awesome, he had a lot of energy.”
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) August 10, 2024
Trenton Simpson on DC Zach Orr calling plays for the first time pic.twitter.com/OZxshX6r8q
One Move to Make
The Ravens are typically one of the most aggressive teams in the NFL. They will continue to try to make the roster better around Jackson. Last year, they picked up Kyle Van Noy late in the offseason, and he made an impact on defense for them. It wouldn’t shock anyone if the Ravens make a move at the trade deadline (or earlier) to add another piece on defense, such as a front-seven defender. We also can’t rule out an addition to the backfield if it looks like Henry has lost a step at 30 years old.
2024 Outlook and Odds
Vegas has set the Ravens’ win total at 11.5 games. I predict Baltimore will go 10-7, finishing slightly under the sportsbooks’ expectations. For certain, this is a step backward from when they won 13 games last year. The Ravens have their work cut out for them after they lost a ton of good players in free agency and now must play a first-place schedule after winning the division.
As it stands, the Ravens are +145 to win the AFC North, right behind the Cincinnati Bengals. Baltimore will be in the mix for the division title until the very end, but I do not see them claiming the top spot when the dust settles. They will make the playoffs as a Wild Card team.
Season Prediction: 10-7, make playoffs as Wild Card
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