Baltimore Ravens 2014 Season Preview and Predictions
By Brett Foote
Feb 5, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh speaks to the crowd during the Super Bowl XLVII celebration at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
2014 Predictions
Best case: 12-4, win AFC North, compete for AFC title and potential Super Bowl berth
Worst case: 8-8, miss playoffs
Record prediction: 10-6, win AFC North, lose in divisional round
Team MVP: Joe Flacco
Predictions always stir up some strong feelings, and I have no doubt these will as well. This is indeed an improved team, and there are high hopes every season the Baltimore Ravens hit the field. Anything less than a Super Bowl is a disappointment.
Having said that, we are confident that Joe Flacco is going to have the best season of his career in 2014. The rebirth of the run game and the tutelage of Gary Kubiak is going to rejuvenate his career. Flacco is going to achieve career highs in completion percentage at the very least, and will lead this team like he did during 2012’s magical run.
But the AFC is still a tough conference, and it’s hard to see this team overcoming a couple of road blocks. Namely, the insanely talented Denver Broncos and/or New England Patriots. Both teams are hell bent on going all the way this year as their aging quarterbacks enter twilight of their respective careers.
We do think that the Ravens have more than enough talent and potential to best their rivals, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and win the division. But they will miss out on a first round bye in 2014 and face a stiff test in the divisional round, where we think they fall short and lose to one of the powerhouses of the AFC.
But then again, who ever accurately picks the eventual Super Bowl winner? At the start of last season, who thought that the Seahawks would win? Who picked the Ravens in 2012? That’s part of why we love the game – it is completely unpredictable with an ever changing competitive landscape. And the Ravens have as good a chance as anybody to win it all.
Next: How do I follow along with the Baltimore Ravens in 2014?