Baltimore Ravens 2024 Season: A Year of High Expectations

The Baltimore Ravens are gearing up for an exciting 2024 NFL season, filled with high expectations and intriguing matchups. Led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, the team is looking to build on their 2023 success and make a significant impact in the AFC North. This article delves into the key highlights and trends of the team's schedule, including their performance, notable games, and player statistics.

Regular Season Schedule

The Ravens kick off their season with a tough matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on September 5th. This game sets the tone for a challenging schedule that includes several divisional rivals, such as the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns, which will be crucial in determining their standing in the AFC North. A bye week in Week 14 gives them a chance to rest and recharge before the final stretch of the season.

Key Matchups

1. Week 1: @ Kansas City Chiefs (September 5th)

   • The Ravens face off against the Chiefs in a rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship Game.

2. Week 13: vs Philadelphia Eagles (December 1st)

   • A showdown with the Eagles could be a turning point in their season.

3. Week 16: vs Pittsburgh Steelers (December 21st)

   • The Ravens will face off against the Steelers twice, including this crucial matchup.

4. Week 18: vs Cleveland Browns (TBD)

   • The final game of the regular season against the Browns will be a battle for division supremacy.

Player Statistics

Lamar Jackson is expected to continue his impressive form, with high passing and rushing yards. Running back Derrick Henry, a new addition to the team, and wide receiver Zay Flowers will also be key contributors to the team's offense. The defense, led by players like Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey, will need to step up to support the offense.

Key Players

1. Lamar Jackson

   • Expected to lead the team in passing and rushing yards.

2. Derrick Henry

   • Key contributor to the running game.

3. Zay Flowers

   • Expected to have a strong season as a wide receiver.

Postseason Hopes

The Ravens aim to secure a top seed in the AFC playoffs, which would give them a significant advantage in the postseason. A strong finish to the regular season could set them up for a deep playoff run.

Postseason Outlook

1. AFC North Division Title

   • The Ravens need to win crucial divisional games to secure the title.

2. Top Seed in AFC Playoffs

   • Securing a top seed would provide a significant advantage in the postseason.

Expert Insights

Several experts have weighed in on the Ravens' 2024 season prospects:

• Tony Lombardi predicts a 10-7 record, citing concerns about the team's patchwork offensive line and the health of key players like Ronnie Stanley and Rashod Bateman[1].
• Kevin McNelis projects a 12-5 record, emphasizing the team's strong secondary depth and the potential impact of Derrick Henry on the offense[1].
• Chris Schisler believes the Ravens have a Super Bowl-caliber roster if they can stay relatively healthy, predicting a 13-4 record and a division championship[1].

Conclusion

The Baltimore Ravens' 2024 season is filled with high expectations and challenging matchups. With a strong regular season schedule and several high-stakes games, the team is poised to make a significant impact in the AFC North. By focusing on key highlights and trends, this article provides actionable insights into the team's performance, notable games, and player statistics, setting the stage for an exciting season.

References

1. Russell Street Report - 2024 Season Predictions: https://russellstreetreport.com/2024/09/03/bold-predictions/2024-season-predictions/
2. ESPN - Baltimore Ravens schedule 2024: Takeaways, predictions: https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/40108037/baltimore-ravens-schedule-2024-takeaways-predictions
3. FansFirstSports - 2024 NFL Preview: Baltimore Ravens Season Outlook, Schedule & Predictions: https://www.fansfirstsports.com/2024-nfl-preview-baltimore-ravens-season-outlook-schedule-predictions/