Baltimore Ravens 2012-2013 NFL Futures Lines & Predictions
The Baltimore Ravens had a very successful season last year, but the 2012 NFL playoffs couldn’t have ended in more disappointing fashion. Lee Evans dropped a touchdown pass that would have won the game for the Ravens, and then Billy Cundiff shanked a 32-yard field goal. The Ravens ended up falling 23-20 to the New England Patriots.
2012 Baltimore Ravens Team Preview/Predictions
2011 Record: 12-4
2011 ATS Record: 8-7-1
2012 NFL Futures Odds from WagerWeb
Baltimore Ravens Odds to win Super Bowl: +1,600
Baltimore Ravens Odds to win AFC Championship: +700
Baltimore Ravens Odds to win AFC North Division: +110
Baltimore Ravens Season Win Total: 10
Baltimore is still so close to another title, but with their core group of players getting older this time has to win now. The Ravens have a tough test in the AFC North Division, but this team has plenty of talent to get the job done. Joe Flacco seemed to mature as the season went along last year, and Ray Rice is one of the most dynamic players in the NFL. Can the Ravens take that next step and get back to the Super Bowl?
Offense:
Ray Rice is one of the best players in the NFL. For the second time in his career he gained more than 2,000 total yards last season. At age 25, Rice is right in his prime. A running back who can gain 1,400 rushing yards and catch 60 or 70 passes a year doesn’t come around all that often. The Ravens would do well to lock him up for the long run.
Joe Flacco proclaimed himself the best quarterback in the NFL during the offseason. It’s hard to not chuckle at least a little bit when hear you that comment. Flacco has largely been disappointing over the last couple years. The team needs him to develop more if they are going to contend for an AFC Championship again this year. Flacco’s completion percentage was at a career low last year.
The Ravens offensive line isn’t getting any younger. Michael Oher may have been great early in his career, but he gave up 10 sacks last season. On the outside, the Ravens need a bigger season from Anquan Boldin. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Defense:
Ray Lewis is undoubtedly one of the best defensive players to ever play the game. He is age 37 now though, so the team can’t count on quite as much from him. Ed Reed has flirted with walking away from the game, but it appears he’ll be ready for the start of the season. Terrell Suggs will likely miss the entire season with an injury, and that will hold back the defense. Still, the Ravens defense should be very good.
Haloti Ngata may be the best player on this defense now. Ngata is a dominating defensive tackle who commands tons of attention. Baltimore is still deep across the line, and you have to think they’ll do a great job pressuring the opposing quarterback. Jimmy Smith looks like a future star at the cornerback spot, and the Ravens have plenty of quickness at the linebacker position.
Baltimore Ravens 2012-2013 NFL Predictions: 10-6
Baltimore has an extremely difficult schedule ahead of them this season. The Ravens play the Eagles, Texans, and Chargers away from home. They must also play the Cowboys and Giants at home in non-conference action. Flacco will be the key to this team. If he can take the next step then this team is instantly a serious contender for the Super Bowl. If he continues to be mediocre, it’s hard to see them getting far in the playoffs. Look for the team to get into the playoffs, but I don’t think they go as far as last season.
