2009 Predictions

[Ravensfan23]

Srewed the thread title up. Should be 2009 obviously. Mods can u fix that?

Ok so i sreached the board, about 4 pages back and couldn't find a thread like this. Found a few stats and depth chart threads but no season predictions.

So i actually just posted this at another place and knew eventually i would be posting it hear, so i figured i do it now.

It' simple, how many games do u think the Ravens will win. I good in-depth a bit, but feel free to just post a record.

Ok so here we go. I think it's the year we put together back to back playoff runs.

KC @ Bal(W) 0-0
Coming off such a great season, the Ravens and fans will look to start fast. Cassell will have a terrible game at M&T Bank. Flacco gets off to an early start. TD passes to Heap and Williams. Final Score 34-0 Ravens.

BAL @ SD(W) 1-0
The Ravens get to travel out West early. Tough Ravens defense contains good SD offense. Flacco and company take advantage of just enough turnovers to put 24 points on the board. Hard fought game to the end. Final Score 24-13 Ravens

CLE @ BAL(W) 2-0
For the second time in 3 weeks the Ravens D makes a young QB look terrible. Brady Quinn will have to rely on short passes but that won't be enough to get pass the Ravens. The running game dominates this game but Flacco puts up pretty good numbers as well. Clayton puts on a show. Final Score 27-3 Ravens

BAL @ NE(W) 3-0
The Ravens and Pats put on a prime time type game. The Ravens D and Pats O fight to a stalemate. Both teams put the NFL on notice that they are elite status. In the end it's Flacco that leads is team down the fleid on a last minute drive. The offense gets the ball down to the 30 yardline and Gano kicks his first game winner. Ravens' fans feel a little better about losing Stover, and the 4-0 start has everyone thinking SuperBowl. Final Score 23-20 Ravens

CIN @ BAL(W) 4-0
The Ravens offense continues to improve and put the rest of the NFL on notice. Like always the Ravens are dominate at M&T Bank, and this game is no different. Under Harbs the Ravens finally prove that they are a team that can handle success and have focus to beat the teams they should beat. Clayton and McGahee provide most of the offense, LJ Smith catches his first TD.
Final Score 27-10 Ravens

BAL @ MIN(W) 5-0
The Ravens great run D is put to the test when they square off with one of the NFL's best. However with the strong front 7 and good run support from Landry the Ravens find a way to contain Peterson. No 100 yard rusher. The Ravens force T. Jackson to beat them with his arm and he fails. The offense of the Ravens struggles to really get anything goin in the run game, and it's Dwill and Heap who come up big for the passing game. Final Score 17-6 Ravens

Bye.
The Ravens take full advantage of a legit Bye week this year. The red hot Ravens go into the break 6-0 and starts to get some bangwagon love for the media. Harbs, Cam, Ray, ED, Derrick and the rest of the vets keep this team focused on the goal at hand. 6-0 is great but we still have work to do.

DEN @ BAL(W) 6-0
The Ravens continue to dominate at home. Coming off a Bye week this team is fresh and being 6-0 has the confidence of this team higher then ever. The Broncos offense doesn't click as well without Culter and a unhappy Marshall. The Ravens double Marshall and force Orton into 3 mistakes. The offense takes awhile to get into rythem but they finally find the endzone with a TD pass to Mason, and a long Rice run. Add 3 Graham Gano FGs. Final Score 23-10 Ravens

BAL @ CIN(W) 7-0
This is the point of the schedule where the Ravens would lose focus in years past, but not this time. With a relatively healthy squad the Ravens go into Cincy and really runs all over a young Bengal defense. Both Willis and Rice has 100+ yard games and Clayton picks up where he left off last year, torching that Bengals secondary. This game is never really close but a late TD, turns a 21-6 game into a final of 28-13 Ravens

BAL @ CLE(W) 8-0
The Rest of the NFL gets to see the 8-0 Ravens for the first time in this primetime beatdown. Flacco passes for close to 400 yards and 3 TDs. Rice continues to dominate the Browns with 170 total yards and a TD. Suggs earns his money in primetime with a multi sack game, and T.Good shows the NFL why we don't miss Scott. Gano continues to build confidence on his success with 3 FGs on a cold windy night. Marcus Smith picks up his first NFL TD on a 35 yard strike from Flacco. The Ravens pick up a huge win heading into back-to-back tough games.
Final Score 37-10 Ravens

IND @ BAL(L) 9-0
This is a tough one for the Ravens. Not only because it's our first lost but it's a lost to the Colts at home. Joe Flacco goes toe to toe with one of his idols and actually has better stats then Manning. However Peyton proves why he is one of the best with a late drive that puts his team in FG position to win the game. Rice shows off his versatility, with over 130 total yards, but its not enough. Even though the Ravens lose they prove that they are among the best in the NFL. Final Score 20-17 Colts

PIT @ BAL(W) 9-1
The Battle that everyone has been looking forward to. Both team are fighting for the AFC North crown and both teams are playing well. This game is full of hard hitting defense and just enough offense. The Ravens hop out to a 7-6 lead in the first half, before a 2nd quarter last second FG by Gano(55 yards) pushes the lead to 10-6 at half. The second half sees the Steelers jump ahead for a 13-10 lead. Timely offense and good defense sees the Steelers and Ravens trade FGs. 13-13, then 13-16 Steelers lead. The first possesion of the 4th quarter the Ravens move down the field with timely passes from Flacco to score a TD. 20-16. The Ravens add another FG by Gano to push the lead to 23-16. Much like last year the Steelers put together a late drive the has them inside the Ravens 15 yardline. Santanio Holmes is invloved in another play in the endzone, however this time its Haruki Nakamura, who steps infront of a Ben pass(Suggs pressure) to seal the game. Final Score 23-16 Ravens
Ravens 1 Steelers 0

BAL @ GB(W) 10-1
After two hard fought games, and the 3rd primetime game in 4 weeks, the Ravens team starts out sluggish vs GB. In a cold wintery mix type night, it's prefect football weather. The Ravens give up 2 TDs and a FG in the first half, as they start out slow on both sides of the ball. We go into the lockerroom facing a 17-10 deficit. With the first possesion of the 2nd half the Ravens cut the lead down to 17-13 with a Gano FG. The Pack finds room on a return and scores, 24-13. In the 4th quarter the Ravens find some success in the pass game. A long bomb to DWill closes the gap to 24-20. With about 4 minutes left in the game the Ravens find success through the air again. A cool Flacco finds Heap for 30 yards. McGahee breaks free on a long screen pass, and McClain finishes the drive off with a score. Ravens show ability to come from behind. Final score 27-24 Ravens

DET @ BAL(W) 11-1
The Ravens absolutely destroys the Lions at home. The games is over early. Oh yea, Ngata scores his first ever TD on a pass from Flacco. Big guy TD, has a Big guy spike and a Big guy dance. This one is a laughter. Final Score 40-9 Ravens

CHI @ BAL(W) 12-1
In another relatively easy win, the Ravens put the game away mid way thru the 3rd quarter. Culter isn't enough with the lack of quality WRs. The Ravens dominate on Defense at home, and McClain puts the game away. Final 23-10 Ravens

BAL @ PIT(L) 13-1
In another tough battle with the Steelers the Ravens play great D. Holding the Steelers to a TD and 3 FGs. This game comes down to the last drive, but it's Flacco's turn to lead his team. However much like Ben in the first meeting Flacco can't get the offense close enough and Gano just misses a 57 yarder. The kick had enough distance, but the open end of Hinz Field forces the ball just wide. Final Score 16-13 Steelers
Ravens 1 Steelers 1

BAL @ OAK(W) 13-2
Even though the Ravens have already locked up a Playoff Spot, they are forced to play their starter because the #1 seed as well as the AFC North is up for grabs. The Ravens battle the Pats for the #1 seed and the Steelers for the AFC North(#2 seed). Because both the Pats and Steelers won their games(all games flexed to 4pm). The Ravens must win out in Oakland. Some Ravens fans secretly hope that DHB has a great game, but it doesn't happen. Much like the JAGs game last year the Ravens force many TOs and the offense puts up huge number. Fabian Washington returns to Oak with a huge game, Flacco puts up 300+ yards 3 TDs. Final Score 41-17 Ravens

Ravens finish the Season strong at 14-2 and heads into the playoffs looking like the team to beat in the AFC. The Ravens are crowned AFC North Champs, and #1 seed. Won't predict the playoffs because i don't know the teams.

Ravens record 14-2
Ravens Offense rank #13
Ravens Defense rank#1

As you can probably tell from my predictions, i think this Ravens team will be specail this year. This Defense gives up less then 200 total points, given up about 12 ppg. On the other side of the ball the offense puts up a total of 427 points. That's about 26.6 ppg.

I'm definately interested in hearing what everyone thinks of this, and i expect to be held to these predictions.

[Ravenatic20]

I don't agree. We won't lose to Pittsburgh twice, again. We will beat them at home. Other games I fear are NE and MIN. Other than that we should be good to go. At least, ... good enough to get a playoff spot

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Ravenatic20' date='06 August 2009 - 06:36 PM' timestamp='1249598168' post='216007']
I don't agree. We won't lose to Pittsburgh twice, again. We will beat them at home. Other games I fear are NE and MIN. Other than that we should be good to go. At least, ... good enough to get a playoff spot
[/quote]

I have us beating the Steelers at home, but losing in a tight game at PIT.

[Ravenatic20]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='06 August 2009 - 06:45 PM' timestamp='1249598722' post='216012']
I have us beating the Steelers at home, but losing in a tight game at PIT.
[/quote]
I just saw that. My apologies. I like your prediction a lot better now.

[Geno the booter]

Week 1 - Kansas City Chiefs vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00, CBS)

The Baltimore Ravens open their season at home against a Kansas City Chiefs team that certainly improved this offseason, adding Matt Cassel, Monty Beisel, Bobby Engram, and Tyson Jackson.

The Ravens also improved this offseason, adding some good players like Domonique Foxworth, Matt Birk, Michael Oher, Paul Kruger, and Lardarius Webb.

The Ravens shouldn't have much of a problem with the Chiefs. Matt Cassel is obviously a Pro Bowl-caliber quarterback, as he proved throughout the 2008 season.

However, the Ravens held some good quarterbacks to nothing in 2008, including Tony Romo, Chad Pennington, and Jason Campbell.

The Chiefs will be forced to go to the air early, as the Chiefs don't have a legitimate No. 1 back and the Ravens have an incredible run defense. That shouldn't work for them.

The Ravens added three cornerbacks in the offseason, all 25 or younger, in Chris Carr, Domonique Foxworth, and Lardarius Webb.

In addition to that, the Ravens already had Fabian Washington lining up at corner, and Ed Reed and Dawan Landry at safety, certainly a dangerous safety duo.

I fully expect the Ravens to walk away with an easy win on Opening Day.

W (1-0)



Week 2 - Baltimore Ravens vs. San Diego Chargers (4:15 PM, CBS)

The San Diego Chargers have a tendency to start slowly, but I don't expect that to resume next season. The Chargers added a solid defensive end in Larry English, have one of the best young quarterbacks in Philip Rivers, and have a good 1-2 punch of LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles in the backfield.

The Ravens can certainly handle the Chargers offense, but I don't see the Ravens winning this game purely because they are on the road against the Chargers, who play very well at home.

The Ravens are capable of winning this, because Joe Flacco showed he could win on the road throughout the 2008 season, but San Diego, with a healthy Shawne Merriman, along with Larry English and a resurgent Antonio Cromartie, could cause some problems for the Ravens.

The key for the Ravens to win is stopping Rivers, plain and simple. If they can limit him, they can easily win this.

While the Chargers have a good 1-2 punch, it's not a great one, as L.T. has clearly lost a step and there are still questions on whether Darren Sproles can handle a big workload.

L (1-1)



Week 3 - Cleveland Browns vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

It'll be interesting to see who wins the quarterback battle for the Cleveland Browns. It could be Brady Quinn, but it could also be Derek Anderson. I don't think the Ravens care, because they can give both quarterbacks headaches.

The Browns traded multiple times in the 2009 NFL Draft and ultimately decided to add California center Alex Mack with the 21st overall pick. I'm not sure the Ravens care about that, either.

I fully expect the Baltimore Ravens to win this game. Flacco didn't have a good game the first time against the Browns last year, but was 13-for-19, and in his second game against Cleveland, he won AFC North Offensive Player of the Week.

The Browns lost some weapons over the offseason, losing Donte Stallworth, Kellen Winslow, and being at odds with receiver Braylon Edwards. If the Ravens can handle Edwards and Winslow healthy, they can certainly handle a disgruntled Edwards, and an unknown No. 2 wide receiver.

The Ravens not only are a much improved team, but the Cleveland Browns are a team with even fewer offensive weapons than they had last season.

W (2-1)



Week 4 - Baltimore Ravens vs. New England Patriots (1:00 PM, CBS)

The New England Patriots are obviously a Super Bowl contender. With Tom Brady returning healthy, Patriots Nation fully expects a Super Bowl run. The Ravens are also a team who could go all the way, but stopping the New England Patriots is no easy task.

It wouldn't surprise me if the Ravens came out victorious in this game, as the Ravens did almost beat the hated New Englanders in 2007, but some tough penalties and breaks led to a loss.

However, I'm not expecting a Ravens win in Week 4. Especially not if Baltimore plays at Gillette Stadium, where the Pats are practically unbeatable.

The Ravens will need to be able to limit Randy Moss, not an easy task. Despite being up there in age (turned 32 in February), Moss appears to be at the top of his game.

He adjusted to a new quarterback in 2008, and still managed to catch 69 passes, gain over 1,000 yards, and score 11 touchdowns. It wasn't comparable to his record-breaking 2007 campaign, but it was definitely a solid year.

On top of that, the Ravens will need to watch for Wes Welker. I see this game being a close one, but the Pats coming out on top.

L (2-2)



Week 5 - Cincinnati Bengals vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

Earlier in the week, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer made a likely unrealistic prediction, saying his team would be 6-0 after six games and 10-2 after 12 games. I'll be honest, I laughed.

The Bengals return linebacker Keith Rivers 100 percent healthy and also have Rey Maualuga, which will be big. Adding Andre Smith with the No. 6 overall pick was a wise decision, as the reason for Palmer's injury troubles was his lack of protection.

However, the Bengals don't have a top ten caliber defense, and despite adding Smith, don't yet have a good offensive line. On top of that, they lost T.J. Houshmandzadeh, and Chad "Ocho Cinco" Johnson continues to express his discomfort.

I expect the Ravens to take this game in a cakewalk. The Bengals did improve as the year progressed, but not to a point that they were a playoff team. The Ravens are a Super Bowl caliber team, and the Ravens embarrassed Cincinnati in a Week 13 matchup, 34-3.

The Bengals have no run game whatsoever. Cedric Benson is a capable back, but mustered just 19 yards on 10 carries in the second Ravens/Bengals contest.

The Ravens will have to commit a huge gaffe to let this one slip away, especially if the guy who has owned them for so long, T.J. Houshmandzadeh, is long gone.

W (3-2)



Week 6 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Minnesota Vikings (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Ravens stole a great Viking offensive lineman when they acquired free agent center Matt Birk, agreeing to terms with the six-time Pro Bowler on a three-year, $12M deal. The Vikings hope to get their vengeance on the Ravens by beating Birk's new squad.

The Ravens will visit the Vikes in the Metrodome for a Week 6 matchup that will feature two great defenses, two young quarterbacks, and two powerful running games. I think the Ravens have the advantage in all three.

The Ravens did lose Bart Scott, but it doesn't appear as if the loss will be as devastating as some pictured, and the Ravens consistently have a better defensive unit than Minnesota.

There is almost no argument for Tarvaris Jackson when you compare Flacco and Tarvaris, and while Adrian Peterson is the best running back in the NFL, he fumbled nine times, most for any running back.

The Vikes also don't have the depth the Ravens have in the backfield. The Ravens can look to four guys to pick up the slack. Le'Ron McClain, Willis McGahee, and Ray Rice proved last year they can play well at the NFL level.

The Ravens also added Cedric Peerman in the draft, a guy who looked sharp in minicamp, and the Ravens rushing offense will only be stronger with Michael Oher, a solid offensive lineman, lining up on the right side.

W (4-2)



Week 8 - Denver Broncos vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

Last year, the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens were polar opposites. The Broncos relied on a strong aerial attack, featuring now departed quarterback Jay Cutler, wide receivers Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal, and tight end Tony Scheffler.

However, the Broncos had no stability in the backfield, had a poor defense, and lived and died by the pass.

The Ravens, on the other hand, used their solid defense and run game to their advantage and looked to rookie quarterback Joe Flacco on occasion for a big play.

However, that has changed. While the Broncos defense isn't yet great, it definitely has improved, adding Brian Dawkins, Andra Davis, and Andre Goodman.

They also added to their backfield by drafting Knowshon Moreno and signing Correll Buckhalter. Moreno appears to be a great Rookie of the Year candidate, as he has a good offensive line, led by Ryan Clady, and will start.

Nonetheless, the Ravens are at home, and due to the fact that the Ravens defense and run game is plainly better than Denver's and are also at home in this contest.

W (5-2)



Week 9 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Ravens again meet up with the Bengals, who, in Carson Palmer's book, will at this point be 7-1. I don't see it.

The Ravens played a good, solid game on Opening Day in 2008 against Cincinnati in 2008, coming out victorious at home, 17-10.

However, they looked considerably better in a Week 13 matchup again against Cincy (this time on the road) in a 34-3 shellacking.

The Bengals, I think, will be hit hard by the loss of T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who is one of the most reliable targets for a quarterback. Even with an unstable quarterback position last year, he managed to catch 92 passes and gain 904 yards.

Along with that, people can say what they want about Carson Palmer's productive career thus far, but he has carried the Bengals to ONE playoff appearance despite having wide receivers to throw to that some would drool over.

I expect the Ravens to come away with this one in a cakewalk. The Bengals don't have a bright outlook for the 2009 season, and the Ravens do, and I would be very surprised if the Ravens walked out of Cincy defeated.

W (6-2)



Week 10 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns (8:30 PM, ESPN)

For the first time, the Ravens will appear in prime time, facing the Cleveland Browns on Monday Night at Browns Stadium. Like I said, the Browns aren't anything to scare the Baltimore Ravens defense.

They have two quarterbacks who were very below average last season, have no consistency running the ball, and lost one of their main targets in Kellen Winslow.

This is a game the Ravens should be licking their chops for, especially Joe Flacco, who succeeded in his second game against Cleveland in 2008, winning AFC North Offensive Player of the Week.

The Browns will have to establish a flashy aerial attack, because, let's face it, Jamal Lewis is far past his prime. I don't see a scenario in which the Browns have considerable success throwing the football, especially considering the speed the Ravens corners have.

After all, the Ravens have Ed Reed back at safety, and Dawan Landry returning, who was a playmaker in 2006 and 2007 before getting hurt in the second game of the 2008 campaign. I expect the Ravens to win this game...without breaking a sweat.

W (7-2)



Week 11 - Indianpolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

We Baltimore Ravens fans all remember the tragedy that was the Week 6 matchup between the Colts and Ravens in 2008. We all know the story: Colts win 31-3, Peyton Manning carves up the Ravens secondary.

However, this time, the Ravens have corner play that is considerably better, have an improved Joe Flacco, and an offensive line that can match up with just about anybody in the NFL.

The Colts lost Tom Moore, their genius offensive coordinator, and Tony Dungy, who is the mastermind behind the Indianapolis Colts.

However, I don't see the Ravens winning this game purely because the Ravens have always had troubles against the Colts, and that includes a 15-6 loss in the 2006 playoffs, that coming after the Ravens magical 13-3 season.

While losing both Moore, Dungy, and wide receiver Marvin Harrison will hurt Indianapolis, they still have the best quarterback in the game in Peyton Manning, a star receiver in Reggie Wayne, and a good tight end in Dallas Clark.

L (7-3)



Week 12 - Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens (8:20 PM, NBC)

This is the game Ravens fans want the most, I'm sure. Right now, it's pretty obvious the Ravens and Steelers are going to finish atop the AFC North. In what order has yet to be determined.

This matchup features two teams with incredible defenses, well coaches squads, and clubs with a history. Both teams respective fanbases are bitter. For now, the Steelers have bragging rights.

They beat the Ravens three times last year, if you include the AFC Championship. However, much of that is due to the constant duress Joe Flacco was under during those games.

While you wouldn't think a rookie drafted 23rd overall would make such an immense impact, offensive tackle Michael Oher would change that.

We know he's not going to completely limit James Harrison and LaMarr Woodley, both extremely good pass rushers, but we can expect Oher will stop the bleeding, and give Flacco some time to find the open receiver.

That was such a huge problem last year, as Flacco often had to automatically lob the ball to Derrick Mason by default when under pressure. That should change, and I expect a win in Week 12.

W (8-3)



Week 13 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Green Bay Packers (8:30 PM, ESPN)

This is a game I'm intrigued by. While the Green Bay Packers are a team who finished just 5-11 last season, I see them as a team who can turn it around.

They have a good back in Ryan Grant, a bright young quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, two solid receivers, and while the Packer defense was miserable last year, they did add Clay Matthews and B.J. Raji into the mix.

While I'm expecting the Ravens to leave Lambeau Field victorious, I wouldn't be surprised if the Ravens, in such an environment, fall short.

While Packers fans can use the excuse that Flacco, a young quarterback, will get rattled, that point is invalid. As you may or may not remember, this is a guy who went into Heinz Field (on Monday Night Football, in his third career start) and threw for nearly 200 yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions.

However, I see Green Bay as a surprise team and if the Ravens and Packers have identical records going into this game, I would not be very surprised, as the Pack definitely have potential.

W (9-3)



Week 14 - Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, FOX)

Unless you lived under a rock during the 2008 NFL season, which if you're a Lions fan, you probably considered, you'd know the Ravens have a clear advantage going into this game.

The Martin Mayhew/Jim Schwartz era in Detroit appears to be a better one than that of Matt Millen/(insert name). While it's unclear whether Matthew Stafford will emerge as the franchise quarterback, he certainly has the potential, and the Lions finally have some direction.

However, that direction in this game will be straight into the ground. The Lions have a dismal pass AND run defense. While they improved that during the draft by adding Louis Delmas, adding one second round safety can only do so much.

Unless the Ravens are 12-0 going into the game and prepared to tank the season, I'd be shocked if the Ravens fell in this game.

While teams like the Falcons, Ravens, and Dolphins turned it around last season, they had solid offensive lines and legitimate defenses, and in the Ravens case, great defenses.

However, I don't see the Lions as a team to have such a dramatic turnaround, as they don't have a legitimate defense or a good offensive line, and I don't see them coming out victorious...especially not in Baltimore.

W (10-3)



Week 15 - Chicago Bears vs. Baltimore Ravens (1:00 PM, CBS)

The diva of this offseason was Jay Cutler. He went through a rift with the management of the Denver Broncos, and ended up getting traded to the Chicago Bears.

The Bears haven't had a true franchise quarterback in quite some time, and at 25, Cutler is that guy. He'll need more targets, but finally has the running game so that Jay doesn't have to carry the team on his shoulders.

However, passing the ball on Baltimore is no easy task, not even to Jay Cutler. The 25-year old has a rifle arm, but he is not Peyton Manning, who was the only quarterback who had flashy numbers against the Ravens in 2008.

I expect the Ravens to come away with a victory. The Bears have no deep threats that the Ravens need worry about, and Matt Forte is a good halfback, but so are Ronnie Brown, Joseph Addai, Marion Barber, Brian Westbrook, Steve Slaton, Maurice Jones-Drew, Willie Parker, and Chris Johnson, all guys the Ravens completely halted during the 2008 regular season, and the Ravens defense, if anything, has improved. I don't expect the Bears to pose much of a threat, and the Ravens should win this game.

W (11-3)



Week 16 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (1:00 PM, CBS)

The Ravens finally play a game in Pittsburgh not in prime-time. The Ravens have been surprisingly equal with the Steelers the last three seasons, as the total score in 2006, 2007, and 2008 games between the two is 117-90 Ravens.

However, when you weigh in that the Ravens outscored the Steelers by a score of 58-7 in 2006, the Steelers do have the advantage.

The Ravens almost never seem to win at Heinz Field, but who does? I expect the Steelers and the Ravens to be in a dog fight for the AFC North in this contest, as they always are.

Again, I think the Steelers will win the game. The Steelers have an incredibly easy schedule going into the season. In fact, the Ravens have the 28th hardest, while Pittsburgh's S.O.S. (strength of schedule) stands at 29th.

The Steelers and Ravens, I believe, will both make the playoffs, but the Steelers will again crawl out of the season as AFC North Division champions.

It'll be close, but the Steelers always seemed to come out with last minute victories, whether it be in the Super Bowl or against the Ravens.

L (11-4)



Week 17 - Baltimore Ravens vs. Oakland Raiders (4:15 PM, CBS)

The Baltimore Ravens have beaten the Oakland Raiders the last two meetings by a combined score of an embarrassing 56-10.

However, both those games were in Baltimore at M & T Bank Stadium. Playing in Oakland is certainly a frightening experience. The fans will, as NFL Films put it: "Raiders fans will eat your baby."

That may be a bit of a stretch, but Oakland Raiders fans take their football seriously, and come Sunday, they come to the game with intent to intimidate their opponent.

However, I doubt Joe Flacco is frightened of Oakland Raiders fans after he has faced the Steelers multiple times.

Al Davis again proved he should seriously consider retiring when he drafted Darrius Heyward-Bey, the fastest receiver available, instead of Michael Crabtree, the BEST receiver available. It was downright shocking.

The Raiders have some offensive support for JaMarcus Russell, and he is on the brink of a breakout. But against the Ravens? The Raiders never have success against the Ravens, and I don't see a change.

W (12-4)

[Ravnet]

I like how when fans make predictions, they only pick losses to the very best teams from last year, and assume that everything will turn out neatly as their club beats up on every single bad team while losing to a few traditionally good teams.

Come on. . .

[Joey Genocide]

while i certainly hope our only two losses come to teams like The Colts and Steelers, by a field goal on the road... i just don't see it

Geno's Prediction is much more likely and its still an outcome i'd like

i've never been one to give predictions on the course of a season but im hoping for the best.

[Beninato]

14-2 with a VERY questionable receiver core? I highly doubt that. We're an 11-5 team.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Beninato' date='06 August 2009 - 07:10 PM' timestamp='1249600232' post='216028']
14-2 with a VERY questionable receiver core? I highly doubt that. We're an 11-5 team.
[/quote]

Well we did go 13-3 with pretty much the same receiver core in 2006. I think our offense is much better this year then 06

Ray Rice, McGahee, McClain, healthy LJ Smiith and DWill, and most importantly i see the defense steppin up to an even better level this year.

I know 14-2 is not a popular outlook because it's hard to beleive, but who beleived we could win 13 games last year with a rookie QB and rookie coach?

[Yatagarasu]

It's too early to start picking the games we will win.

NFL is unpredictable with injuries, surprise teams, and under-the-radar stuff.

I hope this thread doesn't jinx us into a mediocre season.

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='Corvus Amplus' date='06 August 2009 - 08:03 PM' timestamp='1249603412' post='216046']
It's too early to start picking the games we will win.

NFL is unpredictable with injuries, surprise teams, and under-the-radar stuff.

I hope this thread doesn't jinx us into a mediocre season.
[/quote]

Well actually there is never really a good time to predict a game, because the games are won and lose on the field not on paper.

Predicting wins and loses is strictly for fun and has no effect on how this team will play one way or another.

I'm not really one to believe in jinx and all that stuff, but i can assure you that this thread or any other thread on this board will not effect the way the Ravens will play. Coach Harbs is not lookin at this thread saying that because some fan said they would beat KC 34-0 that the Ravens don't have to work hard anymore.

The NFL season all comes down to getting hot at the right time and maintaining that level of good play throughout the playoffs.

[kash96ravenstotalfan]

...Any given sunday

[H8R]

Ravens win some games, lose some games. Make the Playoffs. That's as far as I'll go.

[J-man]

I won't give you plays, but I'll give you scores

1 Sep 13 KC @ BAL (0-0)
There is no way the Chiefs are going to come in here and beat us. This should be a fun opener.
Score: Ravens 31-7

2 Sep 20 BAL @ SD (1-0)
This is going to be a close one. I dont think we will get the easy win. It's a close one as it comes down to if we can shut dow Phillip Rivers.
Score: Ravens 20-17

3 Sep 27 CLE @ BAL (2-0)
The Browns are going to be a joke this year. Unless Brady Quinn turns out to be an amazing quarterback, Ravens win easy.
Score: Ravens 27-6

4 Oct 04 BAL @ NE (3-0)
How will Tom Brady do this year? Will he be in his 2007 form/ Probably not. But he is still Tom Brady. I'm not sure if we will win this one. It will be a close one.
Score: Patriots 27-24

5 Oct 11 CIN @ BAL (3-1)
As much as the Bengal fans think they are going to be good this year, no. They didnt upgrade somewhat on defense (Tank Williams, Roy Williams, Rey Magaulga(sp?). But it isn't close to our defense.
Score: Ravens 27-17

6 Oct 18 BAL @ MIN (4-1)
This will also be an interesting game. Can we stop AP? Can we rush against their defensive? IMO, who ever plays quarterback, Sage or Travaris, will turn it over against us.
Score: Ravens 21-16

8 Nov 01 DEN @ BAL (5-1)
They have NOBODY, except B Marsh. At home, no d, no quarterback. Easy Win.
Score: Ravens 38-10

9 Nov 08 BAL @ CIN (6-1)
May be a a little harder since it's in Cincinnati, but not much.
Score: Ravens 24-10

10 Nov 16 BAL @ CLE (7-1)
This is on Monday Night. Ravens on Monday Night on the road, they arent that good. So if the Browns are as bad as they were last year, we should win. But if they are different, it will be close.
Score: Ravens 23-13

11 Nov 22 IND @ BAL (8-1)
We can never beat Indy. We could this year, but it probably won't happen. Peyton is just too good. Are only chance is for us to completely shut down their run game and force Peyton to pass it. And Flacco will need to respond with a great game himself.
Score: Colts: 31-28

12 Nov 29 PIT @ BAL (8-2)
This is the only game of the season I want us to win. We can lose all our game and only win this one and I will be (kinda) happy. If we can rush the passer and force Ben to throw it when he doesnt want to, be have a chance. And offensively, we need to win passing the ball. Score: Ravens 16-13

13 Dec 07 BAL @ GB (9-2)
Once again Monday Night, on the road, in the freezing cold. The Packers I think will be pretty good this year. We will most likely get unlucky. Their defense is pretty good too. Score: Packers 24-20

14 Dec 13 DET @ BAL (9-3)
It's the Lions...AT HOME. Need I say more.
Score Ravens 38-6

15 Dec 20 CHI @ BAL (10-3)
I'm not scared of Jay Culter because he has no one to throw to. Their defense isnt the same anymore, Brian Urlacher is washed up, and Lovie Smith is on the hot seat.
Score: Ravens 23-17

16 Dec 27 BAL @ PIT (11-3)
See the other Steelers game description. This game might turn into a night game. I don't think we will win.
Score: Steelers 20-13

17 Jan 03 BAL @ OAK (11-4)
Oakland doesn't scare me. We killed them last year. JaMarcuss isnt anything special. Their only backup is Jeff Garcia. Darrius Heyward-Bey wont live up to be the player they want him to be. And their defense hasnt changed much either easy win.
Score: Ravens 35-13

So I got the Ravens going 12-4.

[charlie cash]

14-2 is my prediction the offense will help the D out alot this year because we finally have a offense!!!!! FEar THE RAVENS THIS YEAR!!

[ravensfan2430]

[quote name='Ravnet' date='06 August 2009 - 07:00 PM' timestamp='1249599603' post='216021']
I like how when fans make predictions, they only pick losses to the very best teams from last year, and assume that everything will turn out neatly as their club beats up on every single bad team while losing to a few traditionally good teams.

Come on. . .
[/quote]

what helped us out last year is that we beat up on the teams we were supposed to. I dont see why that doesn't continue.

[1/28/01]

Why is everyone spelling Cutler wrong? Its not Culter......12-4 okay, I'm done!

[SupaBwandin]

1 KC @ BAL (1-0)
Good team to break in the season; See Joe throw for over 300 yards, and rice rush for over 100. We wrap this up pretty quickly.
Score: Ravens 31-10

2 BAL @ SD (1-1)
Chargers are flying a bit under the radar this year, because last year's injuries. This year its Super Bowl or bust for them. They have all their key players back and it will be a close one.
Score: Chargers 20-17

3 CLE @ BAL (2-1)
Im guessing Brady Quinn will be starting and he's never seen a defense like us before, the passing game will not be a factor. Landry will get some payback this game. Expect Joe to light it up against a secondary that is non-existant
Score: Ravens 34-9

4 BAL @ NE (2-2)
No Tom Brady? They go 11-5 and barely miss the playoffs. Now, Bradys back, they add Galloway, Fred Taylor and bolster their secondary. I see this years Patriots team being even more dominant this year than 2007.
Score: Patriots 21-10

5 CIN @ BAL (3-2)
I like what Cincinatti has goin on right now. Theyre building a good, young defense and Palmer will be back at %100, expect a better year and a bright future for the Bengals. Still no match for us quite yet.
Score: Ravens 27-14

6 BAL @ MIN (4-2)
Good thing Tavares has those speedy legs of his, because hes gonna need them. If we can work a quick passing game and not stay in the pocket too long we should take this easily. Sure theirs some speedy recievers up in Minnesota, but we have the fastest CB duo in the league. Ray and the guys handle AP.
Score: Ravens 23-17

8 DEN @ BAL (5-2)
Hopefully Orton is still throwing ducks by this time. Offesne should be a problem for the Ravens and their whole D, is aging. Easy win.
Score: Ravens 34-7

9 BAL @ CIN (6-2)
See W5
Home or Away; doesnt matter, nobody goes to Bengals games anyway.
Score: Ravens 24-10

10 BAL @ CLE (7-2)
We showed up in Primetime last year and we should start to make a thing of it.
Reverse the Curse.
Score: Ravens 24-13

11 IND @ BAL (8-2)
This is the year. Dungy; gone. Harrison; gone. Tom Moore; gone. Seems like Peyton knew how to handle Rex's defense, hopefully Mattison can fix that. They beat us last year and times before by beating us deep. Not this year. We bring the heat, force the mistakes.
Score: Ravens 27-24 OT

12 PIT @ BAL (9-2)
We have all the pieces set. Last year, we had Max protection most of the time. With the addition of Oher, our line can handle themselves. We have more routes out there and Rice as the dump off guy. Heap will be a factor. Lots of 2 TE sets this game.
Score: Ravens 20-17

13 BAL @ GB (10-2)
Yes, its Lambeau. A defense and a great run game; its what football in the snow is all about, we have that. Green Bay doesnt.
Score: Ravens 24-17

14 DET @ BAL (11-2)
You know.
Score Ravens 41-9

15 CHI @ BAL (12-2)
Jay Cutler is a young, bright QB, but has no recievers. Forte will get alot of carries but not reach 90 yards. Our TEs win this game for us.
Score: Ravens 24-17

16 BAL @ PIT (12-3)
Steelers at home, tough to beat. Our impressive 10 game win streak comes to an end.
Score: Steelers 13-10

17 BAL @ OAK (13-3)
Garcia will be starting by now and he cant rely on anybody except Zach Miller, but he cant winn the game for them. Our O takes flight and adds steam going into the playoffs
Score: Ravens 30-13

13-3 wins the division, gets a bye and anything goes, WE IN THE PLAYOFFS.

[edreedfromtheu]

If the receivers and offensive line look as bad as they do right now with all of their injuries... it's going to be a very ugly season. 8-8

[Ravensfan23]

[quote name='edreedfromtheu' date='07 August 2009 - 10:38 AM' timestamp='1249655926' post='216187']
If the receivers and offensive line look as bad as they do right now with all of their injuries... it's going to be a very ugly season. 8-8
[/quote]

Both the receivers and Offensive line looked even worse at this time last year, how did that turn out?

I really don't think the injuries we are dealing with right now are that bad. Harbs has been on record to saying Clayton will be healthy before the KC game.

DWill is just a guy that hasn't been involved in football related activities in about 10 months. So it's expected for him to have some bump and bruises, but it appears he'll be fine.

IMO between Cousins and Yanda/Chester, they would have been getting more time at that unbalanced position then Terry anyway. So i don't think his injury affects the Ravens much.

Yanda seems to be way ahead of schedule with his injury, and Grubbs is dealing with an injury that doesn't seem too bad.


I think the Ravens are doing pretty good on the injury front. It all seems to be just minor things. Last year was much worse with injuries.

[#1 D]

[quote name='Ravensfan23' date='07 August 2009 - 10:51 AM' timestamp='1249656716' post='216189']
Both the receivers and Offensive line looked even worse at this time last year, how did that turn out?

I really don't think the injuries we are dealing with right now are that bad. Harbs has been on record to saying Clayton will be healthy before the KC game.

DWill is just a guy that hasn't been involved in football related activities in about 10 months. So it's expected for him to have some bump and bruises, but it appears he'll be fine.

IMO between Cousins and Yanda/Chester, they would have been getting more time at that unbalanced position then Terry anyway. So i don't think his injury affects the Ravens much.

Yanda seems to be way ahead of schedule with his injury, and Grubbs is dealing with an injury that doesn't seem too bad.


I think the Ravens are doing pretty good on the injury front. It all seems to be just minor things. [b]Last year was much worse with injuries.[/b]
[/quote]

I agree. Its good to see that this year the ravens can play hard in training camp and can keep from getting injured all the time. True, alot of our starters are injured so far but none of them is season-threatening (except for reed's nagging nerve in his neck).

i think the ravens should have a great season if nothing goes wrong. I suspect flacco got at least a little bit better from last season, and combine that with a healthy gregg, landry, and an overhauled secondary, things look good for this team.

[BaltimoreMikeyInCali]

10

and

6

[lgcs27288]

People forget that we were riddled with injuries all year, a LOT of injuries! Heap will also be healthy again and Gregg, I dont think anyone mentioned them. We also basically didnt have a bye week because of that hurricane.

But at the same time we have a curse going on. We will have a stellar season and then the next do horribly then have another good season and so on. Hopefully this will be the year to break it!

[Jhyson]

It's probably going to be an 11-5 or 10-6 season.

Enough to get into the playoffs? Absolutely

Can we win the divisio? Depends on how Penisburgh's O-line holds up.

I think the Ravens 2 key concerns right now is injuries and the WR situation.

Looking at all the injuries in training camp right now kinda scares me to be honest. Hopefully most of our starters will be 100% going into Week 1.

Do I think we got a shot to win it all this year? Absolutlely, just a few kinks may have to be worked out this preseason.

[RavensClaw52]

10-6 or 11-5 and get in with wild card

[3headedmonster]

this is the NFL not college. You can predict college games but not the NFL. Anyone with a brain can predict USC over Fresno State. The NFL is full of pros and anything can happen look at the dolphins. Any team can beat any team in the NFL. Predicting NFL games is just ignorant.

[edreedfromtheu]

[quote name='3headedmonster' date='07 August 2009 - 02:32 PM' timestamp='1249669964' post='216286']
this is the NFL not college. You can predict college games but not the NFL. Anyone with a brain can predict USC over Fresno State. The NFL is full of pros and anything can happen look at the dolphins. Any team can beat any team in the NFL. Predicting NFL games is just ignorant.
[/quote]

Ummm... if you're talking about the Dolphins game where they got their only win against the Ravens, that was VERY predictable. A lot of people saw it coming. Predicting, or in other words, guessing the outcome of NFL games is no more ignorant than doing it for college games or anything else.

As for the injuries... you can keep saying it's training camp and we've had them before, but to have 4 offensive linemen out before the first preseason game is pretty bad. You sort of want your offensive line to be able to play a few times TOGETHER against a defense that doesn't see you every day so they can work on their communication and line calls. It's going to be awfully hard to do that if they don't see any preseason game action. I'm not nearly as concerned about the wide receiver position because Clayton and Williams are always injured, and Justin Harper is a much bigger red zone threat than either of them(so hopefully they play him!)