NFL Predictions: Will Ravens struggle to win 9 games in 2017? 8/16/17
Will the Baltimore Ravens struggle to win nine games this upcoming NFL season? Let’s break down their season projections.
The Odds
According to oddsmakers, Baltimore has an over/under of 8.5 for number of wins in 2017. The team is also a 65/1 long shot to win the Super Bowl and is 30/1 to win the AFC Conference Championship. Finally, the Ravens are just 5/1 to win the AFC North Division this upcoming season.
Ravens Offseason
The biggest contract the Ravens handed out in free agency was to defensive tackle Brandon Williams. The team signed Williams to a five-year, $52.25 million contract with over $33 million in guaranteed money. Safety Tony Jefferson also received a four-year contract while cornerback Brandon Carr inked a four-year deal as well.
After he was released by the Chiefs, Jeremy Maclin signed with Baltimore for two years. Former Chargers running back Danny Woodhead was also added on a three-year, $8.8 million contract.
Ravens NFL Draft
With the 16th overall pick in April’s NFL draft, Baltimore selected Alabama cornerback Marlon Humphrey. There’s a chance he could start opposite Carr in the defense’s secondary. The Ravens also went defense in the second and third rounds. Houston linebacker Tyus Bowser was the team’s 47th overall pick, while Michigan defensive end Chris Wormley was Baltimore’s No. 74 selection. Also in the third, the team nabbed Alabama linebacker Tim Williams.
Our Prediction
Joe Flacco is expected to start Week 1 against the Bengals despite not playing this preseason. Despite the hope that he’ll be ready for the regular season, Flacco is dealing with a back injury, which is concerning. The team also took a hit along the offensive line when John Urschel retired abruptly. The Ravens have failed to win more than eight games in three of the last four seasons and I simply don’t trust their offense. At best, I think this is an 8-8 team.
NFL Season Prediction: Baltimore Ravens under 8.5 wins
