A clear difference between Baltimore and the rest of the NFL was stability. Instead of a revolving door the Ravens have been rock solid. Consequently, they have won more than they have lost. Likewise, they are a consistently popular Bet on NFL choice. But changes are now coming. General Manager Ozzie Newsome will be departing at year’s end. And owner Steve Bisciotti publicly admitted to considering a coaching change. Three consecutive seasons out of the playoffs have caused discomfort. Consequently Head coach John Harbaugh is on one of the NFL’s hottest seats. It’s playoffs or bust for 2018.
Baltimore Ravens 2018 NFL Futures
Date and Time: Season begins September 9, 2018
Location: Check schedules
NFL Betting Online Odds at SBG: Baltimore Ravens +4000 to win Super Bowl LIII
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Joe Flacco
Certainly, Joe Flacco has been part of Baltimore’s stability. In fact, he arrived with Harbaugh in 2008. Yet he may be seeing the end of the line as well. Specifically, the Ravens drafted Louisville’s Lamar Jackson in the first round. In sum the Heisman Trophy winner is being tabbed as the future starting quarterback. However its still Flacco’s team for now. As such a bounce back season is mandatory for Baltimore’s Bet on NFL success. Nothing has harmed Baltimore as much as Flacco’s recent depreciation. Most of all is his drop in effectively going deep.
Marty Mornhinweg
To illustrate Flacco’s drop is his last three years. He has averaged less than seven yards per pass attempt in that span. Offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg returns under fire as well. Indeed, there were calls for his head after Flacco’s poor performance. Increasing pressure on Harbaugh, Mornhinweg and Flacco is a major sportsbook factor to consider. Due to such heat this trio will be put to the ultimate test.
Alex Collins
Running back Alex Collins was a positive last year. Consequently, he almost rushed for 1000 yards. Collins may take pressure off Flacco. Supplementing the offense will continue to be critical for all concerned. Eventually the Ravens may have to emphasize the run. It follows that Flacco would become more effective as a result. Worries remain about an inconsistent offensive line. Overall a balanced offense is Mornhinweg’s stated goal.
Solid Ravens
Defensively the Ravens remain solid. On the other hand, they are no longer a dominant unit. Baltimore allowed the sixth fewest points in the NFL last year. But they also blew late leads to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. As a result of the defensive collapses they missed the playoffs. Don Martindale was promoted to defensive coordinator. Due to Dean Pees’ departure he was called up from linebackers coach.
Don Martindale
In contrast to Pees, Martindale is expected to call a more aggressive style. Accordingly he may just bring some swagger back to the unit. Players are enthused about their increased freedom. As a matter of fact Baltimore believes they can be a top five defense.
Matchup to Watch
As was previously stated Harbaugh is coaching for his job. Baltimore’s
Bet on NFL prospects come down to Flacco. On the whole they need a pre-2015 Flacco. Whether or not they get that remains to be seen.
Bet on NFL: Baltimore Ravens NFL Futures Betting Odds Pick
Baltimore is a good but flawed eight to nine-win team. In conclusion they may improve just enough to sneak into post season.
Bet on NFL: NFL Betting Online Pick: Baltimore Ravens to win nine games.
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