Baltimore Ravens 2024 Preview

The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2024 season with high expectations, coming off a 13-4 record and boasting one of the league’s most balanced rosters. With a win total over/under set at 10.5, only two other teams have higher expectations this year.

Led by Lamar Jackson and a defense that ranked among the league’s best, the Ravens are poised to make another deep playoff run. Let’s break down what to expect from the Ravens this season.

Key Insights and Team Overview

The Ravens are loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, with minor tweaks made to an already potent lineup. Here’s what you need to know:

Offensive Outlook

Lamar Jackson’s Continued Dominance:
- MVP Caliber: Lamar Jackson remains the centerpiece of the Ravens’ offense. In 2023, he threw for 24 touchdowns against seven interceptions, boasting a passer rating of over 100 and completing 67% of his passes—his highest completion rate to date. Jackson also led the team with 821 rushing yards and five touchdowns, proving once again that he’s a dual-threat nightmare for defenses.
- Balanced Attack: While new offensive coordinator Todd Monken plans to have Lamar throw more, the Ravens’ identity remains grounded in the run game. The addition of Derrick Henry, who rushed for over 1,100 yards last season, will only enhance this.
Running Game:
- Derrick Henry: Henry joins the Ravens after another strong season, bringing his physical running style to an already potent ground attack. While Gus Edwards provided over 800 yards and 13 touchdowns last year, Henry is expected to take the lead role, offering more power and consistency.
- Keaton Mitchell: The rookie Mitchell flashed potential with an impressive 8.4 yards per carry in limited action last year. The Ravens will look to see what he can do with a full season of work.
Receiving Corps:
- Zay Flowers: The standout rookie from last year, Flowers led the team in targets and receptions, finishing with over 850 yards and five touchdowns. He’s expected to build on that success and remain Lamar’s top target.
- Mark Andrews: Andrews missed time last season but still led the team in receiving touchdowns with six. As Lamar’s most trusted weapon, he’ll continue to be a focal point in the passing game.
- Supporting Cast: With Odell Beckham Jr. gone, the Ravens will rely on depth players like Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor, and Isaiah Likely to fill the void. While they’re not star-caliber, they provide reliable options behind Flowers and Andrews.
Offensive Line:
- Rebuilt Line: The Ravens’ offensive line allowed 24th in sack percentage last year, and they’ve made significant changes, including replacing three starters. While the line remains a work in progress, the hope is that these new additions will provide better protection for Lamar and more consistent run blocking.

Defensive Adjustments

Elite Pass Rush:
- Justin Madubuike: Madubuike continues to be a force on the defensive line, racking up 13 sacks last year and earning Pro Bowl honors. He’ll anchor a pass rush that remains one of the league’s best.
- Oweh and Van Noy: Odafe Oweh and Kyle Van Noy provide additional pressure, combining for 10.5 sacks last year. While Jadeveon Clowney’s departure leaves a gap, the Ravens have the depth to maintain their pass rush effectiveness.
Stingy Secondary:
- Kyle Hamilton: Hamilton had a breakout season with 80 tackles, four interceptions, and a 46.5 passer rating allowed. He’s become a cornerstone of the Ravens’ secondary.
- Geno Stone: Stone is coming off a seven-interception season, solidifying his place alongside Hamilton as one of the top safety tandems in the league.
- Cornerback Depth: The Ravens lost Ronald Darby but return a strong group led by Marlon Humphrey, who allowed a passer rating in the low 60s last year. They’ve also added rookie Nate Wiggins, who has the potential to be a shutdown corner with some development.
Run Defense Concerns:
- Roqan Smith: Smith was a tackling machine last year, with over 150 stops, but the Ravens still struggled against the run, allowing 4.5 yards per carry. The departure of Patrick Queen, who had 130 tackles, may exacerbate this issue. Michael Pierce returns to anchor the defensive line, but the Ravens need more consistency in stopping the run.

Season Outlook

The Ravens are expected to be one of the top teams in the NFL again this season, with a solid chance to contend for a Super Bowl. Here’s a breakdown of their potential floor and ceiling for 2024:

Win Total Floor: 9 Wins
- Why? If the defense regresses and Derrick Henry struggles to stay healthy, the Ravens could find themselves in some tough games. A 9-8 season is the worst-case scenario, but it’s still a competitive record given their talent.
Win Total Ceiling: 13 Wins
- Why? If Lamar Jackson stays healthy and the defense continues to dominate, the Ravens could easily replicate last year’s 13-4 record, potentially challenging for the top seed in the AFC.

Final Thoughts

The Baltimore Ravens are once again one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. With an MVP-caliber quarterback, a powerful running game, and a stingy defense, they have all the ingredients to make a deep playoff run. However, they’ll need to stay healthy and maintain their defensive intensity to reach their full potential.

Key Points Recap

Lamar Jackson remains the driving force, with an MVP-caliber season within reach.
Derrick Henry adds power to an already potent run game, complementing the dual-threat of Lamar.
Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews lead a solid receiving corps, though depth may be a concern.
The defense is anchored by a strong pass rush and a talented secondary, but run defense could be an Achilles’ heel.
Win total projection: 9 to 13 wins, depending on health and consistency on both sides of the ball.

Ravens fans, get ready for another exciting season—2024 could be the year Baltimore finally puts it all together!

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