Lamar Jackson tops 4,000 passing yards for the first time.

There's talk about the Ravens going back to their 2019 run-heavy model, but the Ravens aren't going to overlook Jackson's improvements as a passer. There's no going back. This offense is more balanced than the 2019 model because of Jackson. Although the Ravens traded away top receiver Hollywood Brown this offseason, Jackson has shown strong connections with his other targets this summer. Jackson is throwing the ball with more zip, with improved mechanics, and he was already among the best deep throwers in the NFL before last year's injury, when he was on pace to throw for 4,082 yards. He'll also get better protection this year and has more tight ends to target over the middle of the field with the addition of Isaiah Likely.

Ravens double their interceptions from 2021.

Baltimore had just nine interceptions last season. Only four teams had fewer. With the return of Marcus Peters and additions of safeties Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton, the Ravens have the ball hawks necessary to dramatically improve their takeaway numbers. Coverage and pass rush also go hand in hand, and Baltimore's boosted defensive front will force quarterbacks into more errant throws and decisions as they're under duress. The Ravens led the league with 22 interceptions in 2017 behind six from Eric Weddle and nine different players getting a pick. With so much secondary depth, it could be a similar spread this year, led by Marcus & Marcus.

Odafe Oweh reaches double-digit sacks.

The Ravens haven't had anyone reach double digits in sacks since Terrell Suggs did so in 2017. Oweh is poised to break onto the national scene this season. His freakish athleticism has always been there, but the second-year outside linebacker dove into his mechanics and film study this offseason to broaden his array of moves. He also said he feels faster burst off the edge after an offseason dedicated to strengthening his legs. Veteran Justin Houston said it's Oweh's work ethic that has him poised to take the next step into elite pass rusher.

Rashod Bateman tops 1,000 receiving yards.

Brown had the 10th most targets in the league last season with 146. Bateman will gobble up many of those looks in his sophomore year as the Ravens' clear No. 1 receiver. Bateman flashed his potential as a rookie and was never fully healthy. Brown just topped 1,000 yards last season with 1,008. Bateman may not have as much pure speed as Brown, but he's a bigger yards after catch threat and is adept attacking all areas of the field.

Isaiah Likely leads all rookie tight ends in receiving yards.

Likely is expected to be a big part of the Ravens offense after a dominant preseason. Though he is a fourth-round pick and eight other tight ends were drafted ahead of him, Likely was arguably the best pure pass-catching tight end in the class. He's a tight end/wide receiver hybrid who could see a lot of targets in the Ravens' tight-end centric offense.

Ravens will finish as a top-5 defense in points allowed per game.

Last season was the first time since 2015 that the Ravens defense didn't rank in the top 10 in points allowed per game. The previous three years was all in the top five. This season, the Ravens are back in those ranks behind a much improved secondary, better pass rush and dominant defensive line. New Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald has drawn strong reviews from his players through training camp and the preseason, with veteran Justin Houston saying, "he's definitely got the knowledge and mindset of a veteran defensive coordinator. So, I think he's unbelievable."

J.K. Dobbins will surpass his rookie rushing yards total.

Dobbins posted 805 rushing yards as a rookie and lead all running backs with 6.0 yards per carry. Now he's coming off a torn ACL that cost him what was projected to be a monster sophomore campaign. While Dobbins could be eased into action, he's still the clear lead running back once he's full-go and that doesn't appear to be far off considering the progress he's made in training camp.

Lamar Jackson finishes under 1,000 rushing yards.

Jackson set the all-time record for most rushing yards by a quarterback with 1,206 in his MVP 2019 season. He followed that up with 1,005 yards in 2020. Jackson was on pace for 1,086 yards last season before his ankle injury. Jackson is still one of the league's most dynamic runners and the Ravens aren't going to coach (or play-call) that out of him. Still, Jackson's progression as a passer and the desire for him to take less hits could lead to fewer designed runs. His improved protection could also mean fewer scrambles.

Jordan Stout finishes top-5 in net average as a rookie.

Stout punted so well this summer that the Ravens opted to give him the third preseason game off. Stout dropped two punts at the 3-yard line and boomed one 58-yarder out of bounds. With Randy Brown and Sam Koch stressing the fine details and Stout bringing his talent and confidence to the job, there's nothing holding the rookie back from being one of the best punters in the league immediately.

Ravens win the AFC North

Baltimore finished in the AFC North cellar last season after being atop the conference through the first 12 weeks. The injuries, particularly to Jackson, just became too heavy. The AFC North is one of the best divisions in football, but the Ravens have the benefit of better health heading into the year and a last-place schedule. The defensive talent is better and the offense compliments Jackson's skillset more. The defending AFC champion Bengals have loads of talent, but now they have a target on their backs. Plus, they had extremely good luck with injuries last year. The Steelers will still be strong but are in transition with a new quarterback. The Browns will be operating with their backup quarterback for the first 11 games.