Win Total Projections Expect 10-12 Wins
Last season, the Ravens outclassed the NFL by going 13-4 and rattling off six wins in their final seven games against playoff and Super Bowl contenders. While pundits and their data models aren't expecting a repeat, they are expecting a double-digit win season.
The Athletic's Austin Mock ran 10,000 simulations of the 2024 season and the results had the Ravens winning 10.2 games. Only the San Francisco 49ers (11.4), Chiefs (11.3), and Detroit Lions (10.5) had more. The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec concurred with the projection.
"If you could guarantee Lamar Jackson will play 15 games or more, I'd say 10.2 wins is a bit low, simply because of how good Baltimore has been in the regular season with a healthy Jackson," The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec wrote. "However, you can't do that, so 10.2 looks just right to me. The Ravens have a solid and deep team, but they play a really tough schedule and they have legitimate questions in two key areas: offensive line and edge rush. Those factors need to be considered."
CBS Sports' Will Brinson was higher on the Ravens, as he projects them to win 12 games.
"There are lots of people projecting a lot of regression for the Ravens this year, in large part due to free agency attrition, as well as the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. There's major, and viable, concern with the offensive line in front of Lamar Jackson as well," Brinson wrote. "But I think Baltimore ends up being a fairly steady team that will 'surprise' some people. Zach Orr takes over as defensive coordinator. He's highly thought of and should be able to minimize the drop-off from Macdonald.
"More concerning is the departure of guys like Patrick Queen and Geno Stone, particularly since those two left for division rivals in free agency. Offensively this team could take a leap forward off of Jackson's second MVP season. It's his second year in Todd Monken's system and it feels like his weapons could be improved. Zay Flowers is in his second year, the team is really high on Rashod Bateman, and the duel (sic) combo of Mark Andrews/Isaiah Likely is pretty strong. The offensive linemen were all drafted in house, and the Ravens are excellent at drafting and developing, so I think it may be less of a problem than people think."
Why the Ravens Will (Or Won't) Win the Super Bowl
The Ravens enter the 2024 NFL season with some of the best odds to win the Super Bowl. Led by their two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and a defense returning the majority of their key assets, contending once again is the expectation.
Because of that, The Athletic's Austin Mock gave his reasons why the Ravens will win the Super Bowl.
"The defense remains one of the best in the NFL despite losing defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to the Seattle Seahawks," Mock wrote." If Zach Orr can step in and keep things at the standard they were at under Macdonald, this is one of the best teams in football.
"Orr has been with the Ravens as a player and coach for all but one year of his career, so he will have all the knowledge needed to keep the ship on course. Also worth mentioning: Two-time MVP QB Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry could be the most dangerous backfield duo since the turn of the century, and that ends up being a huge reason for their success."
However, Mock listed why the Ravens may not lift the Lombardi Trophy when all is said and done.
"Losses on the offensive line are too much to overcome, and the Ravens find themselves struggling to fend off contenders in a deep AFC," Mock wrote. "Jackson can erase a lot of deficiencies, but replacing three offensive linemen and relying on Ronnie Stanley's health becomes a roster-building mistake even Jackson can't overcome. The Ravens had one of the better offensive lines in the league last year, but no offense can reach its goals if it's struggling in the trenches. If this line fails to come together, so will the Ravens."
The offensive line has been the popular pick among pundits for the possible flaw on the Ravens' roster. But the coaching staff, Jackson, and Henry have all expressed confidence in the younger group.
"I'm very confident in our guys," Jackson said. "They've been busting their behinds each and every practice. [In the] preseason, they've been battling. I believe our guys [are] ready."
Lamar Jackson Named One of the NFL's 'Most Intriguing Players' for the 2024 Season
Since entering the NFL in 2018, Jackson's been a beguiling figure. His unique, one-of-a-kind ability draws attention, and as he enters Year 7 of his career, it hasn't changed. The Athletic's Mike Jones named Jackson among his 24 intriguing players for the 2024 season, listing him No. 4.
"Jackson last season became only the 11th player in NFL history to win multiple MVP awards," Jones wrote. "He garnered the honor after carrying the Ravens to the best record in the AFC (13-4) and to the AFC Championship Game, where they lost 17-10 to Mahomes and the Chiefs. Personal accolades are nice, but Jackson knows his 2-4 playoff record (along with six interceptions and six touchdown passes in those games) is the glaring blemish on his resume.
"A Super Bowl ring would validate him as one of the best quarterbacks of his generation. Could the offseason addition of perennial 1,000-yard rusher Derrick Henry give Jackson the support he needs to achieve maximum effectiveness and success?"
Jones isn't alone in wanting to see what Jackson can do this season as the Ravens have five scheduled prime time games. All eyes will be on the Ravens — and Jackson — in 2024.
