As the 2022 season draws closer, excitement continues to crescendo.
Travis Jones and Isaiah Likely look like potential starters already. Lamar Jackson, Marlon Humphrey, Marcus Peters, J.K. Dobbins are all back and should be ready to roll against the Jets. Every one of the other AFC North quarterbacks have had some kind of adversity to deal with this offseason, whereas Lamar Jackson’s biggest trouble has been answering questions about his next contract. The only thing that could make this season a bigger beacon of hope is if Ronnie Stanley was healthy.
As things stand, Baltimore looks to be one of the few favorites to compete for a victory in Super Bowl LVII. Of course, no one knows exactly how healthy teams will remain throughout the season. One can only forecast a team’s performance based on the here and now.
That said, where the Ravens go in 2022 is based on three key components:
- Who they play
- How healthy they are
- How their opponents play
Of the 14 different teams on their schedule this year, only seven had a winning record and just five made the playoffs. This is a unique advantage to have because since they had a losing record last year, they play the requisite teams this year. The catch, though, is that last year was an anomaly as Baltimore suffered a dumbfounding number of key injuries. In other words, they get the benefit of a “below average” schedule with an above average roster.
Presumably, then, they’d be favored in those seven games against teams that had a losing record last year and could split the rest. If that were to happen, Baltimore would finish this year with either 10 or 11 wins (which is exactly where I think they will finish). I predict the Ravens will go 11-6 and win the AFC North. I don’t think they will get a first-round bye, but judging by their playoff history, that’s a good thing.
In playoff games where the Ravens came off a bye the previous week, their record is 1-2 (all against AFC South opponents, by the way). A first-round bye is by no means a guaranteed advantage for the Ravens. Sure, they will pursue that, but it’s not a referendum on their playoff chances.
However, when they have been to the playoffs since 2018 (when Lamar Jackson was drafted), the Ravens have gone 1-3 and have only scored an average of 13 points per game. There’s no excuse for that. They have to be much better on offense in the postseason, period.
Helping their cause to the end will be converting red zone trips to touchdowns. That’s where Isaiah Likely can really come in handy. Moving the chains, sustaining drives, getting seven points instead of three, and heaping fatigue upon the opposing defense is what he can help Baltimore’s offense do. Ideally, they’d have a go-to receiver to do those kinds of things, but they don’t, at least not yet. As much as fans want Rashod Bateman to be that guy—and he may be—we don’t know if he can be. Right now, I have more confidence in Likely than Bateman in being that chain-mover and playmaker after the catch.
Another key component that will determine Baltimore’s success (or lack thereof) is health. Again, for the most part, the team is where it wants to be. Getting Stanley and Tyus Bowser (and David Ojabo) back to full strength is going to be huge. They’re all trending in that direction, but they’re all coming back from in the process of rigorous rehab from injuries that, no matter how tough you are, significantly test your resolve and endurance.
The final key factor in Baltimore’s playoff chances is the success of its opponents. The Bills and Chargers look to be in very good shape. The Bengals will be a tough out, too, though I think they will fall short after punching above their weight last year. And as long as Mahomes is the quarterback in Kansas City, they are a big-time threat.
Like I said, the Ravens are on the short list for teams to compete for a Super Bowl. But to do so, they want to first win their division, which I think they’ll do. I think they can progress to at least the AFC title game, and by that point, health—which we can’t predict—may matter more than anything.
We know who they are, what they’re about, and have a good idea for how far they will go. I think most Ravens fans would agree this team will make the playoffs and win at least one game once they get there. I think they get to the AFC Championship, but at that point I can’t confidently say what will happen at that point.
According to Vegas Insider, Baltimore is favored to win the AFC North (+145), 5th favorites to win the AFC (+1100), and 9th favorites to win Super Bowl LVII (+1880). Vegas agrees they will make the postseason and have a decent chance to represent the AFC in the big game, but that they also have a lot of work to do.
What’s your take on these 2022 Ravens? Where do you predict them to be by seasons end? Let us know!
- Miss the playoffs
- Make the playoffs
- Progress to divisional round
- Progress to the conference championship
- Progress to the Super Bowl
- Win Super Bowl LVII
Born in Baltimore, Mike had long been drawn to sports of all kinds. Growing up watching Cal Ripken play ever day gave him a great example for which to attack every endeavor he undertakes.
When the Ravens came to town, though, that’s when Mike found his passion. Since that time, he’s tried to gain every bit of knowledge he could. Now as a high school coach, Mike is able to take his film study and appreciation of the game to a new level.
To engage with Mike on social media, follow him on Twitter @MikeFastNFL.