My Annual 2015 Predictions and Final AFC North Standings

[January J]

It may look like it on the surface but Oakland will be the 2nd game of a west coast trip after a slug Fest and emotional win against the Broncos. We always lay a stinker against a bad team every year, and they're much improved on D with a good young QB and Cooper is legit.

I think were exhausted and lose a close game.

After that long road trip coming home to play cinci is goin to be tough but after that loss we kick it into gear....

That is up until another 2 week trip out west which we lose the 2nd matchup of. We never seem to beat SD so we lose that and then go on a complete tear culminating in a real SB test against the Seahawks at home.

After winning that were way ahead and lay off the gas and lose to a really tough KC at home who we always struggle with, complete our Steeler split and then have to play our hearts out for the division against Cinci.

There's logic to it - whether you agree with it or not - I tried to account for the travel/mental/emotional state of the team week-to-week.

that makes sense. As for the game that were "supposed to win" I got a gut feelin it will be St. Louis. They're a sneaky good team and will be much improved this year and I think we will sleep on them esp since were at home. I also got us splitting with Pittsburgh. Just bc we never seem to beat San Diego means nothing. New year new team. Plus we need to get them back for last year. Our players haven't forgotten that game. I also think Kansas City will give us a hard time, but we will beat cinci twice with no real problems. Marvin Lewis might get canned after this year bc they won't be seein the playoffs.

[beanfigger]

It may look like it on the surface but Oakland will be the 2nd game of a west coast trip after a slug Fest and emotional win against the Broncos. We always lay a stinker against a bad team every year, and they're much improved on D with a good young QB and Cooper is legit.

I think were exhausted and lose a close game.

After that long road trip coming home to play cinci is goin to be tough but after that loss we kick it into gear....

That is up until another 2 week trip out west which we lose the 2nd matchup of. We never seem to beat SD so we lose that and then go on a complete tear culminating in a real SB test against the Seahawks at home.

After winning that were way ahead and lay off the gas and lose to a really tough KC at home who we always struggle with, complete our Steeler split and then have to play our hearts out for the division against Cinci.

There's logic to it - whether you agree with it or not - I tried to account for the travel/mental/emotional state of the team week-to-week.

All good points. As for the "we always lay a stinker...every year," last season we were 9-0 against teams that did not end up with a winning record. I feel as though, in this era of Ravens football, that trend was only the case in '11 and '12 (you could argue '13, but we weren't that good in that season anyway).

[lgcs27288]

I stopped reading at "careful" research and "certain" scientific "principles"

Lol really...

Edited September 4, 2015 by lgcs27288

[K-Dog]

@ Denver = L
@ Oakland = W
vs. Cincinnati = W
@ Pittsburgh = L
vs. Cleveland = W
@ San Francisco = W
@ Arizona = W
vs. San Diego = L
vs. Jacksonville = W
vs. St. Louis = W
@ Cleveland = W
@ Miami = W
vs. Seattle = L
vs. Chiefs = W
vs. Pittsburgh = W
@ Cincinnati = L
 
11-5
I think its gonna take a few games to get our wheels under us. I dont think there is a lot of teams we would do real well against weeks 1-4 other than division teams.  By the time we head out west, I think we should be getting in the groove by then. 
Ravens are 34-4 on games I attend.  I am saving a few bucks every week and my wife and I are going to Pitt@ Baltimore, so that just about assures a win.  

[DomMcRaven]

I think we finish exactly like last year: third place in division with a 10-6 record going into the playoffs.

[wizard1]

I can agree with this. I also think Miami will be in the mix. Could have three from AFC East.

I have KC winning the AFC West and San Diego getting the wild card. I don't believe Denver gets to the playoffs based on the simple fact that Manning is just to old and immobile.

[1/28/01]

I think we finish exactly like last year: third place in division with a 10-6 record going into the playoffs.

3rd in the division at 10-6? So, both wild cards from AFCN again? Would be shocked if that happened.

[Rav'n Maniac]

I may be overly optimistic but I'm calling 15 - 1 with us losing the last game to the Bengals because Joe won't play. Top seed with the championship coming through Baltimore would be my dream. I can dream, can't I?

[Moderator 3]

I may be overly optimistic but I'm calling 15 - 1 with us losing the last game to the Bengals because Joe won't play. Top seed with the championship coming through Baltimore would be my dream. I can dream, can't I?

Why be a fan if you can't dream? I'll never understand why some people feel the need to make cornflakes yellower. Frankly, I always expect 19-0 until proven otherwise.

[DomMcRaven]

3rd in the division at 10-6? So, both wild cards from AFCN again? Would be shocked if that happened.

I definitely see this as a possibility. The big question is: will the Bengals regress as some people think they will?

[codizzle]

Honestly can't make a prediction cause I have no idea what the health of Webb,Perriman, KO is..

And will we see Pitta?

If Webb is healthy and at least somewhat back to his top form plus we get perriman healthy, then I can see 10 wins for sure

If we get that plus pitta with no major injuries to our top 5, watch out

[757RavensFan]

Honestly can't make a prediction cause I have no idea what the health of Webb,Perriman, KO is..

And will we see Pitta?

If Webb is healthy and at least somewhat back to his top form plus we get perriman healthy, then I can see 10 wins for sure

If we get that plus pitta with no major injuries to our top 5, watch out

KO's been a full participant in practice since last Monday.

Edited September 6, 2015 by 757RavensFan

[gooftroop]

I'd take 4-3 after seven games, and be thrilled with 5-2. Don't like the schedule, at all.

[Tank 92]

I'd take 4-3 after seven games, and be thrilled with 5-2. Don't like the schedule, at all.

 

 

This........The second half is much more favorable.

[Guest]

If we don't finish atop the Bengals this year, I'll be extremely disappointed.  At this juncture, I view Pittsburgh as a good third or fourth place team. We'll get a better feeling after Thursday night.  They'll score some points, but they took a major hit with their OLine anchor going down and their defense is not inspiring.

 

If folks are right about Ozzies moves this is the year. If they are wrong about Ozzie, the Bengals best us again.

 

10-6 should win this division, provided we take care of our Bengal Business.

Edited September 6, 2015 by Danny D

[gooftroop]

This........The second half is much more favorable.

Aye.

[hawkprey]

I feel a lot better about this year's offense. Owen Daniels, Jacoby Jones and Bernard Pierce are not real losses. Monroe is healthy and we have better O-line depth. 

Gillmore and Taliaferro look vastly improved. Campanaro is healthy and should be a significant factor. And finally, trade Torrey for bigger, better Torrey. Looks like another Top-10 finish for the all-unknown unit.

[BOLDnPurPnBlacK]

that makes sense. As for the game that were "supposed to win" I got a gut feelin it will be St. Louis. They're a sneaky good team and will be much improved this year and I think we will sleep on them esp since were at home. I also got us splitting with Pittsburgh. Just bc we never seem to beat San Diego means nothing. New year new team. Plus we need to get them back for last year. Our players haven't forgotten that game. I also think Kansas City will give us a hard time, but we will beat cinci twice with no real problems. Marvin Lewis might get canned after this year bc they won't be seein the playoffs.

Yea Oakland and St. Louis were toss ups. I feel were going lose one of those games. Both are young talented teams on the cusp of becoming legit playoff contenders. St. Louis would prob make it in a different division.

But I don't believe in Foles or their offense and really like us to take that one at home.

I don't think we'll overlook either team. That Oakland game is just a tough spot. 2nd week in a row to start the season out west. They'll be pumped up bc they could potentially start the season in 1st place after we beat Denver.

Khalil Mack looks like he could be a DPOY candidate. Carr has the makings of a franchise QB and finally has a true #1 target.

It just has trap game written all over it. Obviously I could be way off... Especially if we lose to the

broncos - in that case I think we'll stomp all over Oakland.

But for right now that's how I see things going. Your guesses are as good as mine though - we'll just have to see how it all plays out.

[January J]

Yea Oakland and St. Louis were toss ups. I feel were going lose one of those games. Both are young talented teams on the cusp of becoming legit playoff contenders. St. Louis would prob make it in a different division.

But I don't believe in Foles or their offense and really like us to take that one at home.

I don't think we'll overlook either team. That Oakland game is just a tough spot. 2nd week in a row to start the season out west. They'll be pumped up bc they could potentially start the season in 1st place after we beat Denver.

Khalil Mack looks like he could be a DPOY candidate. Carr has the makings of a franchise QB and finally has a true #1 target.

It just has trap game written all over it. Obviously I could be way off... Especially if we lose to the

broncos - in that case I think we'll stomp all over Oakland.

But for right now that's how I see things going. Your guesses are as good as mine though - we'll just have to see how it all plays out.

why would it make a difference if we lose to Denver though? All the reasons you said we'd lose to Oakland would still be the same. I just can't see us losing either of those games. Denver won't be easy bc it's a tough stadium to play in, but luckily we got them early bc it's a lot tougher in the cold with the thin air... The flip side of that is we get a fresh Peyton , but they're o-line is really struggling and if we get to him early and often it will make for a long day for the broncos.

[DomMcRaven]

All in all, I say we start off 1-1 after the first two games...........for the sixth season in a row. 

[TXRavensFan]

The flip side of that is we get a fresh Peyton , but they're o-line is really struggling and if we get to him early and often it will make for a long day for the broncos.

 

Reports are that Manning is not comfortable in Kubiak's offense and has struggled, so I'm glad we get them early before he has a chance to settle in.

[Static]

The Broncos scare me but we got the raiders next to bounce back with

[757RavensFan]

The Broncos scare me but we got the raiders next to bounce back with

 

The Raiders actually scare me also.

[codizzle]

KO's been a full participant in practice since last Monday.

Yes but there were some notes I read that said he may not be completely 100% by opening game

That's why I added him ... And he's not the standard of consistent health either

[757RavensFan]

Yes but there were some notes I read that said he may not be completely 100% by opening game

That's why I added him ... And he's not the standard of consistent health either

 

He's supposedly dealing with an injured achilles.  Considering the fact that he's practicing and the possible severity of that injury, I would hope he's a close to 100% before they put him back on the practice field. 

[Static]

The Raiders actually scare me also.

 

Every NFL team has good pieces but the Raiders just aren't there yet

[wizard1]

All in all, I say we start off 1-1 after the first two games...........for the sixth season in a row. 

Good predictions from everyone so far but the problem is at this point most everyone is guessing a bit and refusing to look at reality so here are a few real points that put us behind the 8 ball. Remember for every action there is an equal re - action .

 

1. Action-- WE have no deep threat. ( not even close to a deep threat. )

    Re-action -- Defenses can crowd the line and at the same time neutralize Steve Smith Sr. with cover 2.

 

2. Action -- We have no legitimate RB to spell Forsette. Buck Allen is just plain scary.

    Re-action -- Forsette has to play more which wears him down and increases the risk of injury.

 

3.  Action -- Our defensive front is porous without the rock Haloti Ngata. Timmy Jenigan is no rock and Brandon Williams is more like a roll. Which means we have to take chances and blitz more.

    Re-action -- Causes too much pressure on LB's to cover screen passes and quick throws in the middle of the field.

 

4.  Action --  We have no reliable proven punt returner.

     Re-action -- Punts might be the single most important play in football while special teams will make or break any good team. Apoplexy during every punt may change the course of our season.

 

5.  Action --  Chemistry between Joe Flacco and Marc Trestman appear to me to be slightly askew and not natural or free flowing. Trestman can be polarizing and is not a play-calling genius.

    Re-action -- Another OC trying to control Joe and keep him reigned in is definitely not what Joe wants and communications between the 2 could break down. Marc Trestman has proven he can alienate a QB more than mentor one.

 

However we have Joe Flacco who I have come to believe that  "all things are possible with Joe"

Edited September 7, 2015 by wizard1

[jaege]

After careful research based on certain scientfic priciples and known facts, I have formulated my somewhat famous and usually amazing predictions for the AFC North and the 2015 season and they are as follows, The Ravens are in a sharp decline, Flacco has no real deep threat. I believe Perriman will end up being an injury-prone washout. Our secondary is weak and good back-up personnel is non-exsistent. Our defensive line is pourous without Nagta and we don't have enough good healthy defensive line players for the shuffle in and out theory to be affective. We remain with excellent linebackers and a strong offensive line if they can stay healthy. Based on this the Ravens will finish 3rd in the AFC North behind the dreaded Bengals and Steelers with the Bengals winning the division. Here is how I believe our schedule will play out.

 

Week 1 at Denver will be a loss

Week 2 at Oakland will be a win.

Week 3 Home Opener with Cincinnati will be a loss.

Week 4 At Pittsburgh will be a loss.

Week 5 Cleveland at home will be a win.

Week 6 At Niners will be a loss.

Week 7 at Phoenix will be a loss.

Week 8 San Diego at home will be a loss.

Week 9 Bye

Week 10 Jacksonville at home will be a win.

Week 11 St. Louis at home will be a win.

Week 12 at Cleveland will be a loss.

Week 13 at Miami will be a loss.

Week 14 Seattle at home will be a loss.

Week 15 Kansas City at home will be a loss.

Week 16 Pittsburgh at home will be a win.

Week 17  at Cincinnati will be a loss.

 

There you have it sports fans We have a down year and finish at 5 and 11. Cincinatti wins the division at 12 and 4. Pittsburgh finishes at 10 and 6 and does not get a wild card. Cleveland is only able to go 3 and 13.

 

The sleeper team in the AFC will be the Buffalo Bills who will go to the Super Bowl on the strength of the amazing transformation of Tyrod Taylor.

 

 Call me a clairvoyant or genius if you like but most people just call me Wizard!

 

 

Does anyone call you crazy?

[January J]

You keep saying we have no deep threat... Yet you cited edelman and gronk as the patriots deep threat. Makes no sense, but using that logic any one of our receivers or tight ends could "potentially" be a deep threat. Timmy jernigan and brandon williams are definitely up for the task for replacin ngata.. And at this point im glad we moved on and went with the younger options who are about to hit their prime. Add in carl davis who was ranked as the highest defender, as long as jernigan is healthy our d line will be a strong point.

-trestman and joe have been meshing/ communicating very well. Not sure where you got this notion from.

- campanaro is a very reliable punt returner. He may have injury concerns, but as long as hes healthy he is reliable and makes smart decisions. Kick returner is another story but most will be touchbacks anyway. You are definitely blowing things out of proportion. Esp when compared to the rest of the afc north we are in great shape.

[wizard1]

You keep saying we have no deep threat... Yet you cited edelman and gronk as the patriots deep threat. Makes no sense, but using that logic any one of our receivers or tight ends could "potentially" be a deep threat. Timmy jernigan and brandon williams are definitely up for the task for replacin ngata.. And at this point im glad we moved on and went with the younger options who are about to hit their prime. Add in carl davis who was ranked as the highest defender, as long as jernigan is healthy our d line will be a strong point.

-trestman and joe have been meshing/ communicating very well. Not sure where you got this notion from.

- campanaro is a very reliable punt returner. He may have injury concerns, but as long as hes healthy he is reliable and makes smart decisions. Kick returner is another story but most will be touchbacks anyway. You are definitely blowing things out of proportion. Esp when compared to the rest of the afc north we are in great shape.

 Right ! Let's talk after getting blown out in Denver and getting blindsided in Oakland. This team is not ready for prime time and I'm not sure why some people refuse to look at reality. I agree that Campanaro looks good when he is healthy but he almost never is. An unskilled unproven defensive line  with no swagger? How can you endorse Carl Davis? He's never played a down in the NFL. Timmy Jernigan an upgrade from Haloti Ngata? That's just downright uncivilized. Who fills the gaps at WR? In what universe do we have a deep threat? Who's gonna field punts and return kick-offs? Maybe Pee Wee Herman is a free agent. And your kidding of course on kick-offs right? Don't you think opposing teams are gonna realize we don't have anyone back there and instead of touchbacks kick to the guy who is more of a threat to fumble? I like some of your insights but the AFC North might be the toughest division in football.   There are some really good teams in the AFC period. Let's stick to reality.

Edited September 8, 2015 by wizard1