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Baltimore Ravens: Best-case, worst-case scenarios for 2017 season

By Richard Bradshaw

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: A Baltimore Ravens helmet sits on the bench during their game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on September 20, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTEMBER 20: A Baltimore Ravens helmet sits on the bench during their game against the Oakland Raiders at O.co Coliseum on September 20, 2015 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – JANUARY 1: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – JANUARY 1: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens throws a pass during the first quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Best case: Ravens offense is top 18 unit

It’s really hard to justify placing the Ravens any higher than top 18. Not lower than 20, not higher than 15. 18 seems like a safe number I suppose.

Joe Flacco has some really solid weapons this year. Mike Wallace and Jeremy Maclin can both become 1,000-yard receivers. Meanwhile, Breshad Perriman could flirt with close to 800-yards as the third receiver. Danny Woodhead can also contribute and grabs upwards of 70 receptions. It isn’t out of the realm of possibilities to see Flacco throw for 25+ touchdowns. If the offense is balanced, Flacco could throw 12 or fewer interceptions.

Related Story: Matthew Stafford's deal puts Joe Flacco's contract in perspective

Terrance West hopefully takes over as the top dog in the Ravens backfield. West has the potential to rush for 1,000-yards and pick up eight touchdowns. Averaging 4.3 yards per carry would be great news for West.  If he is able to stay healthy, he won’t get beat up behind a potent Ravens passing attack.

The offensive line needs to dig deep this season. If everything goes perfectly, they can find a way to give up less than 30 sacks. Ronnie Stanley and Marshal Yanda both earn Pro Bowl nods in this scenario. Meanwhile, Jeremy Zuttah and Ryan Jensen do a solid job on the interior, and Austin Howard holds down the right tackle job.

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