5. Baltimore Ravens
Under John Harbaugh, the Ravens have made the playoffs in six-of-nine seasons. The last two years however, they took some steps back. A positive here is Baltimore improved on its measly five wins in 2015 to eight in 2016
But, matching that number is not going to get them back into the postseason. Fortunately, the franchise will play its usual four games against the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals. Both of those teams, right off the bat, do not look to pose a huge threat after scraping up just seven wins combined in 2016.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be the team to beat in the division. But outside of the Steelers, the team with the most wins the Ravens will face in 2017 is the Oakland Raiders. Baltimore has the pleasure of playing the AFC South as well as the Bears and Lions.
The Ravens could be a lock for the playoffs based merely on their ease of schedule. Additionally, their defense ranked seventh-overall best in 2016. The offseason acquisitions of safety Tony Jefferson, and cornerback Brandon Carr only enhance this unit all the more.
On offense, pass-catching running back Danny Woodhead was a sound addition as well.
For now, it looks like the Ravens are going to sit tight until after the draft while holding onto pick No. 16.
Caught up with Ravens president Dick Cass. He's pleased w/team's roster additions but says team likely done in FA until after draft.
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) March 27, 2017