Baltimore Ravens
It wasn’t just injuries that held the Ravens back last season. They were just too inconsistent on both sides of the ball to be considered legitimate playoff contenders. Baltimore couldn’t find much on the ground with Terrance West and Kenneth Dixon heading a bottom-five rushing attack. Meanwhile, Joe Flacco put up a three-year high 15 interceptions en route to leading a 21st-ranked scoring offense.
On defense, the talent remained alive. Baltimore finished in the top 10 in points allowed and seventh in total yards allowed. This unit received a major jolt in the offseason with the signing of Pro Bowl caliber safety Tony Jefferson (more on that here).
The selections of cornerback Marlon Humphrey as well as edge rushers Tyus Bowser and Tim Williams in the draft should also help out big time. In reality, Baltimore has an opportunity to put up a top-five defense in 2017.
The Ravens’ ability to contend in the AFC North will be dependent on second-year receiver Breshad Perriman excelling opposite free agent acquisition Jeremy Maclin. That’s only magnified with the retirement of future Hall of Famer Steve Smith. If those two, along with Mike Wallace, provide consistency for Flacco, Baltimore will be in a great position to contend with Cincinnati and Pittsburgh in the AFC North.