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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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PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 25: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens is sacked by Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA – DECEMBER 25: Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens is sacked by Bud Dupree #48 of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first half during the game at Heinz Field on December 25, 2016 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

Worst case: Ravens are bottom five offense

Everything that could possibly go wrong goes wrong.

Joe Flacco may continue to struggle without safety valves in guys like Steve Smith, Sr. and Dennis Pitta. Worse yet, Flacco may fail to create any chemistry with Jeremy Maclin and is forced to rely on an inconsistent Mike Wallace as the team’s top receiver. Danny Woodhead and Breshad Perriman aren’t locks to stay healthy, either. Ultimately, Flacco would only throw  20 touchdowns and could have almost as many interceptions.

Next: 5 Ravens who haven't done enough to make it

The running game could also bottom out. Terrance West may not be capable of being the team’s top running back. We could see West rush for under 800-yards and have less than 4.0 yards per carry. West would have less than five touchdowns if he was this bad. As if things couldn’t get worse, this forces the team to pass the ball in order to scrape together any positive yards.

The offensive line looks like it should be a bottom ten unit in the league. Ronnie Stanley could take a step backwards in his development and hamper the left side of the line. The interior of the offensive line is likely to be a constant shuffling of guys, providing no consistency. Austin Howard wasn’t good before he got to Baltimore. He could find himself benched halfway through the season due to bad play. Marshal Yanda is the only consistent offensive lineman, but even he is susceptible to a “down year” by his standards.

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