In the third of a 32-part series, we will feature all National Football League teams with a prediction of where each team will finish within their division, key off-season acquisitions and their top fantasy stars. Today we will look at the Baltimore Ravens.
Key Off-Season Acquisitions
Ever since its move from Cleveland in 1996, the Baltimore Ravens have been known for its defense. Some of their icons over the years include Ray Lewis, Ed Reed and Terrell Suggs.
As we approach the 2022 NFL season, the Ravens continued to try to bolster their defense. Among their additions include safety Marcus Williams of Corona, California (five years, $70 million from the New Orleans Saints), and defensive tackle Michael Pierce of Daphne, Alabama (three years, $16.5 million from the Minnesota Vikings). Meanwhile, on the offensive side, the Ravens attempted to improve their offensive line with the signing of offensive tackle Morgan Moses to a three-year deal worth $15 million. Moses, a native of Richmond, Virginia.
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Fantasy Stars
When it comes to fantasy football, there are three Ravens definitely worth taking–quarterback Lamar Jackson of Pompano Beach, Florida, tight end Mark Andrews of Scottsdale, Arizona and kicker Justin Tucker of Houston, Texas.
Jackson was selected to the Pro Bowl for the second time in his career in 2021. He completed 246 passes in 382 attempts for 2882 yards, 16 touchdowns and 13 interceptions last season. Jackson also had 133 rushes for 767 yards and two touchdowns. What might be a surprise is that Jackson actually had a much better 2020 NFL season than in 2021, but was not selected to the Pro Bowl. Heading into the year, Jackson is currently the second ranked quarterback, only behind Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills.
Like Jackson, Andrews is ranked second at his position. The Pro Bowl tight end had 107 catches for 1361 yards and nine touchdowns in 2021. He is ranked behind only Travis Kelce of the Kansas City Chiefs.
Tucker meanwhile, is one of the elite kickers in the NFL, and is ranked number one heading into the year. Last season he made 35 of 37 field goals and all 32 converts. Tucker’s 94.6% field goal percentage led the NFL. Tucker’s most memorable field goal was a kick of 66 yards, the longest field goal in NFL history, in a 19-17 win over the Detroit Lions on September 26.
Prediction
There is no doubt that the Baltimore Ravens are in a very competitive AFC North that includes the emerging Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, who made the NFL Playoffs a year ago. The Ravens should challenge for the AFC North Division title, but I will give the Bengals the slight edge at this time. With their being too much uncertainty in Cleveland at quarterback, Jackson should provide the Ravens stability in the pocket, and a second place finish in the AFC North is the best bet. A definite return to the postseason is in order.
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