The Baltimore Ravens are looking to get back to their winning ways in 2022 after a 2021 season that saw them end the year on a six-game losing streak and miss the playoffs for the first time since 2017. Their 8-9 record was a far cry from what was expected of them, with injuries playing a key role in how their season played out.
When listing out his projected win-loss totals for each NFL team (subscription required), Nate Davis of USA Today predicted a big bounce-back season for Baltimore. He has the team finishing with a 12-5 record, which in this scenario is good enough for the No. 2 seed in the AFC. However, he does have the Ravens losing to the No. 1 seeded Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship.
“A team riddled with key injuries in 2021 still managed to project as the AFC’s No. 1 playoff seed at one point last December before the absence of QB Lamar Jackson and a series of excruciating losses became too much to overcome. Jackson now appears ready to go and will strive to recapture his 2019 MVP form as he angles for a contract that could make him the best-compensated player in league history. LT Ronnie Stanley (ankle), RBs J.K. Dobbins (knee) and Gus Edwards (knee), CB Marcus Peters (knee) and OLB Tyus Bowser (Achilles) all start camp on the PUP list but are expected to provide reinforcements – along with first-round S Kyle Hamilton and C Tyler Linderbaum. Barring more unforeseen circumstances, hard to imagine a team this loaded with talent falling short of the playoffs again.”
Baltimore made sure to revamp their roster in many key areas, and when taking into account the injured players that they should be getting back at one point or another during 2022, this is a team that can make serious noise. It feels like the Ravens have been forgotten by some, but they seem to be extremely motivated to get back to the playoffs, make a run, and host the Lombardi Trophy.