2009 Baltimore Ravens NFL Predictions

Written by Jimmy Boyd on August 18, 2009

ravens 81809 After a 13-win season and a division title in 2006, the Baltimore Ravens were a major disappointment the following season, going just 5-12. But thanks to rookie quarterback Joe Flacco and an outstanding defensive effort, the Ravens bounced back strong to finish the 2008 regular season 11-5 to capture one of the AFC wild card slots. Baltimore, then, went on to win two playoff games before falling to division rival and eventual Super Bowl champion Pittsburgh. Do the Ravens have what it takes to contend for the AFC North title again in 2009 or will they fall back down to earth like they did in 2007? Get my prediction in this 2009 NFL betting preview. NFL odds makers have listed the Baltimore Ravens at +2000 to win Super Bowl XLIV.

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Offense – The Ravens finally have themselves a franchise quarterback. Joe Flacco burst onto the scene and became the first rookie QB in NFL history to lead his team to two playoff wins. What I really like about this kid is that he didn’t let a rough start get him down. He started the season by throwing seven interceptions and just one touchdown pass in his first five starts, but he kept learning and plugging away. The rest of the way he threw 13 touchdowns and only five picks. This kid is only going to get better.

Now that the Ravens have their franchise QB, it’s time to go after some talented wideouts. But as for now, Derrick Mason remains the Ravens’ No. 1 at age 35. He is coming off a season in which he caught 80 passes for 1,037 yards and five scores. So far, Mark Clayton has been a disappointment, but the Ravens haven’t given up on him yet. He has shown some big play ability with a 17.0 yards per catch average, but he is very inconsistent. Tight end Todd Heap has been a good player in this league for a number of years, but 2008 was a down year. He caught two or fewer passes in 10 games. I expect Heap and Flacco to be more on the same page in 2009 and for a bounce back year out of Heap.

The Ravens proved that you don’t have to have a marquee running back to boast a strong running game as long as you have a strong offensive line. The Ravens finished fourth in the NFL in rushing with Le’Ron McClain, Willis McGahee and Ray Rice all sharing the load. Michael Oher comes in via the draft and six-time Pro Bowler Matt Birk comes over from Minnesota to keep the line a strength.

Defense – The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the best defensive teams in the league for a while now and the front seven has been a big reason why. Haloti Ngata has been a beast on the interior. The big defensive tackle is a big reason why the Ravens have not allowed a 100-yard rusher in 35 straight games. Ray Lewis remains the face of the Baltimore defense and he is the team’s emotional leader. He teams with outside linebacker Terrell Suggs to form a formidable one-two punch in the middle-four. Suggs finished with 102 stops, eight sacks, and returned two interceptions for scores last season on his way to a third Pro Bowl.

Ed Reed leads the Baltimore back line. He is one of the best safeties in the game with some of the best instincts I have ever seen. Reed has 43 interceptions in 106 career games. He was sensational in 2008 with nine interceptions to lead the NFL. Free agent cornerback Domonique Foxworth also joins the back line to replace Chris McAlister.

Prediction: 2nd AFC North – I have the Baltimore Ravens picked to finish second in the division in my AFC North predictions. I think the Steelers are still the team to beat in the AFC North, but the Ravens should be right there again behind one of the league’s best defenses and an improving offense. Baltimore may not win the North, but it should have a chance to do some damage in the playoffs again via one of the wild card slots. The Ravens are listed at +300 to win the AFC North Division at Bookmaker.

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