Baltimore Ravens: How the experts predict the 2017 season

Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (center) congratulates wide receiver Chris Moore (10) after recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh (center) congratulates wide receiver Chris Moore (10) after recovering a blocked punt for a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) celebrates with guard Marshal Yanda (73) after kicking a 61 yard field goal during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Baltimore Ravens defeated the Detroit Lions 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 16, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker (9) celebrates with guard Marshal Yanda (73) after kicking a 61 yard field goal during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Baltimore Ravens defeated the Detroit Lions 18-16. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

USA Today Sports

Predicted Record: 9-7/8-8

Three staff writers from For The Win on USA Today Sports: Steven Ruiz, Luke Kerr-Dineen and Charles Curtis gave their take on the Ravens upcoming season. Here’s what the three said: 

"SR: Going under all the way. Flacco isn’t good enough to drag the offense to a .500 record. The defense will be good but not great. A 9-7 finish is Baltimore’s ceiling. LKD: Have to agree with Steven. This team is too hit-or-miss for the over. CC: This team screams 8-8 to me. Too much uncertainty and inconsistency to even think about betting on over 9 wins."

It’s hard not to agree with them. We saw inconsistency on both sides of the ball last season. The defense is definitely much improved with the free agent and draft signings, but the offense still needs some work. There is too much unknown for the Ravens right now to think they will be above a 8-8 or 9-7 team on the season.

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