The Baltimore Ravens 2018 Season is really up in air and depends on how Joe Flacco performs throughout the Season. As many are aware, Flacco is very capable of taking the Ravens to the Superbowl and winning it. Remember, Flacco has not had many weapons at either WR or RB in the past 5 seasons.
Flacco should have some extra motivation to deliver in 2018 to help bring the Ravens back in contention in the AFC. But he needs help. Anquan Boldin in 2012 played some of the best football at receiver that I have ever seen. He snatched balls over defenders that were draped all over him. He also made some of the most impressive 3rd down catches in traffic during clutch times.
The offseason additions of Michael Crabtree and Willie Snead don’t excite me very much. I think Crabtree has lost a step, and I don’t think his skill set matches up well with Flacco’s strength in the downfield passing game. Flacco needs Breshad Perriman to get on the field and make a meaningful contribution. He is looking like a bust right now. I’m also interested to see if Snead can be dynamic outdoors. Receivers often have a difficult time transitioning out of domes. I think one of these receivers will have to step up to get Flacco back on track.
In the running game, I liked what I saw from Alex Collins. He showed some explosiveness both as a runner and in the passing game. He averaged 4.6 yards per carry and he really didn’t see significant playing time until about week 5. If Collins and the offensive line can build on what they started last season, this should also help Flacco regain his composure.
Finally, you have to love Justin Tucker. Once the Ravens get over midfield, it feels like an automatic three points…. As long as Flacco doesn’t screw it up! Tucker is a weapon on special teams.
BALTIMORE RAVENS BETTING TOTAL WINS 8.5
5Dimes has the Baltimore Ravens Season win total set at 8.5. The defense has proven to be elite over the past 2 seasons, and I think the offense can’t possibly be as bad as it was in 2017. The Ravens pass defense has improved for 3 straight seasons, and they are bringing back virtually all of their important players. I like the toughness that this team always shows against Pittsburgh. However, to truly be an elite team you can’t have meltdowns against poor competition that you see time and again from the quarterback and the coach. I think Harbaugh is a solid coach, but he will almost certainly be fired if they fail to reach the playoffs this year. If the Ravens can just be an average offensive team, they shouldn’t have any problems getting to 10 wins. I think the Ravens have great value when they are underdogs. Last year they were 3-1 against the spread in these situations. They’ve also had great success within the division the past 2 years going 9-3 ATS.
BALTIMORE RAVENS PREDICTION: OVER 8.5 WINS