Friday, September 11, 2020

Baltimore Ravens Week 1 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2020 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Here is where the Baltimore Ravens rank in terms of average, best and worst:

  • Average ranking: 3.0 (2nd)
  • Best ranking: 2nd (Multiple)
  • Worst ranking: 6th (CBS Sports)

Below you will find a Week 1 roundup for the Ravens in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 2

They find themselves in a tough spot where nothing matters until they prove themselves in the postseason. But the Ravens return a loaded roster from last year's 14-2 team, including 10 of 11 starters from the league's most efficient offense. The idea that opposing defensive coordinators will have caught up to Greg Roman's offense through a series of offseason Zoom calls is laughable. Roman's scheme is sound and has been effective in the NFL for nearly a decade. While the Ravens might not produce the same historic numbers as they did in 2019, if Lamar Jackson can improve his downfield accuracy, they could be even tougher to defend. The bizarre Earl Thomas situation leaves the Ravens with a hole at safety, but their front seven should be better. Reigning league MVP, strong on both sides of the line of scrimmage and a smart coaching staff. This could be a special season for the Ravens.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

They are still loaded and they have the MVP in Lamar Jackson running their high-flying offense. They will be a playoff team, but it's time to do something with Jackson once they are there.

USA Today -- Rank: 2

Could release of FS Earl Thomas be a classic "addition by subtraction" scenario? Watch promising 23-year-old replacement DeShon Elliott for the answer.

ESPN -- Rank: 2

Can Lamar Jackson take the next step as a passer?

Jamison Hensley: Jackson made tremendous strides throwing the ball during his NFL MVP campaign last season, when he led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes. But he has been an uneven quarterback when teams limit him as a runner. Since Jackson took over as a starter midway through the 2018 season, he's 5-4 when rushing for fewer than 70 yards. His focus in training camp has been improving his downfield passing, so when teams crowd the box, Jackson can make them pay with the big play.

NFL.com -- Rank: 3

Lamar Jackson said last week he's fully recovered from a groin injury and will be ready to go in Week 1 against the Browns. Good news for Baltimore, bad news for Cleveland, but we remain interested to see how the Ravens plan to deploy Jackson as a playmaker after 2019's record-setting MVP performance. The Ravens have an embarrassment of riches in their rushing game, with Mark Ingram, Gus Edwards and promising rookie J.K. Dobbins. Citing that depth as a reason to turn Jackson into a pocket passer would be comically stupid, but there may be logic in dialing down the designed QB runs in an effort to increase the chances of having a healthy Jackson for 16 games and beyond.

Previous update: Baltimore Ravens Post-Draft NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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