The Year Ahead: What Other Fanbases Think of the 2017 Baltimore Ravens
I went through the Offseason Review series over on r/NFL, and looked at what all our 2017 opponents are predicting for their games against us. Here's the list:
| Week | Opponent | Prediction | What they're saying |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CIN | 65% L | I think our newly restructured Offensive Line will struggle early, but it seems like the Ravens are getting more injured every day. I had this as a loss last week. I think the percentage drops to 50/50 if Flacco is healthy week one, and raises to 75% without him. |
| 2 | CLE | W, 24-17 | The schedule doesn't get any easier for Cleveland. This is a baptism by fire and will be a tough game but closer. The Browns matchup a little better against the Ravens because their offense isn't as high powered as the Steelers. I feel like Wallace always has a good game against the Browns and I don't expect that to change. I think the front 4 will have an easier time holding the line which will allow more DBs in the secondary. The Ravens will move the chains but struggle in the red zone. I can see Haden and Collins each picking off Flacco in the red zone to keep the game close. On offense the Browns will struggle. Whatever the Steelers defense is, the Ravens is better. This will be a big game for CoCo and will see many targets with at least one touchdown. The Browns are in the game but just need more. |
| 3 | JAX | L | Long write-up here |
| 4 | PIT | W | The Ravens and the Steelers always play each other close, no matter the record. The Ravens defense is looking like its going to be very good this year. I'm just not a fan of the offense. Flacco struggled last year and besides Maclin, who isn't a huge game changer anyway, they didn't do anything to help. Their offensive line got worse. Dixon is now out for the season so it's now Terrence West and Danny Woodhead. With that being said, I still think the Steelers split with the Ravens, with the Ravens winning this one since it is in Baltimore |
| 5 | OAK | L | Why we Win: Another team that has had some tense recent history with the Raiders, this will likely be more of a defensive bout than the first two shootouts before some late-game scoring that makes the final score look like it's a shootout. Both teams have front sevens that match up against each other well, with the Raiders probably having the edge in pass rush but the Ravens definitely having the advantage in linebacker play. Both teams have strong secondaries that play well for long stretches, but then allow an occasional breakdown for a huge play. Those looking for a big win likely won't find it here, since I see this being a sloppy, close game by Oakland. ------- Why we Lose: The Ravens likely aren't happy that they've lost to the Raiders for two straight years, both at home and on the road, and they enter this game with potential for a stronger defense and more-effective offense than in years past. If the OL can protect Flacco from Mack a little better than previous years, and if the secondary can stay healthy, they stand a good chance of pulling out the slight upset here. |
| 6 | CHI | L by one score | I think this game and @ Eagles in week 12 are pretty much toss ups, and the Bears come away with one or the other. Baltimore was 8-8 a year ago, and subtracting Steve Smith Sr. from the roster will do them no favors. I think this is the week where the argument for what Tarik Cohen is in the offense is finally settled, just as the media decides to heat up the QB controversy. |
| 7 | MIN | 60% L | I don't believe in overpaid Joe Flacco but that defense is strong. I expect a low-scoring game where the Vikings end up at the top of the pile. |
| 8 | MIA | W | F' you Baltimore. Every year, I think we can take you on. I think we finally have your number and can beat you. Then, you embarrass us. Every. Year. The ONLY time we got you, was when you were carting out players from your practice squad due to injuries. That wasn't satisfying. Maybe it will be this year? I'm not betting on it though, we're still going to lose to your team and I'm not sure why other than history. |
| 9 | TEN | L | The Ravens have had a slew of injuries this offseason, and although a lot of them were depth players, injuries are still going to hurt. Nonetheless, they have a great coach in Harbaugh and nearly made the playoffs last season. This was one of the hardest decisions in terms of win/loss, but I think the Titans can win this game. I’m no expert on the Ravens by any means, but just by looking at rosters, I think the Titans have some better talent. |
| 11 | GB | L | Ravens just can't keep on offense and Packers win by double digits. |
| 12 | HOU | W, 17-14 | Ravens are a doozy to play simply because Harbaugh is as much as a tricky coach as BOB. Plus the Ravens have a helluva defense. Don’t expect many points to be a scored. |
| 13 | DET | W | Games against the Vikings are typically physical and leave opponents more beat up than in prior weeks. Having to go on the road against a team that should be in the playoff hunt in the AFC won’t help, either. Plus, there’s always the concern for the late-season weather. |
| 14 | PIT | L | Like I said in the other Ravens game, I think this will be a split series. Being in Pittsburgh on Sunday Night Football is a huge advantage to the Steelers. |
| 15 | CLE | W, 20-10 | The Ravens come in with playoff hopes and an offense that is clicking. Flacco won't let the Ravens lose to the Browns twice in a year. The Browns offense will struggle against this defense. This won't be a high scoring game but Flacco will help the Ravens dominate the time of possession. |
| 16 | IND | L, 20-42 | We usually have good success against the Ravens and I think this year will be similar. Luck spreads the Baltimore D too much and it ends in a blowout. |
| 17 | CIN | 51% L | I think this game will come down to who is healthier. At this point I am going to give the game to the Bengals based on current injuries. |
Overall predicted record: 6-10
Posted Aug 14, 2017, 6:59 PM UTC · edited
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