Friday, October 30, 2020

Baltimore Ravens Week 8 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: 3.2 (3rd)
  • Best ranking: 2nd (The Athletic)
  • Worst ranking: 4th (Multiple)

Below you will find a Week 8 roundup for the Ravens in our consensus 2020 NFL Power Rankings.

The Athletic -- Rank: 2

I loved the Yannick Ngakoue trade for them. It's the type of high-ceiling, high-floor move more teams should aim for. If Ngakoue plays well, the Ravens have a better pass rush and can afford to blitz less often if they think that's their best chance for success. They can then extend him or tag him after the season. If Ngakoue doesn't play well, they can tag and trade him and very well could get compensation that is similar to what they gave up. Having said that, the key for the Ravens to make a Super Bowl run will be getting their offense on track after the bye. Baltimore ranks 25th offensively through six games.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 3

They come off their bye with a big one against the Steelers. It will be the unveiling of the new-look defense with Yannick Ngakoue.

USA Today -- Rank: 3

Typical Baltimore larceny, adding a difference-maker like pass rusher Yannick Ngakoue for fairly cut-rate compensation. Could be a Lombardi move.

ESPN -- Rank: 4

Who needs to step up: WR Miles Boykin

Boykin has failed to step up into the No. 2 wide receiver role for the Ravens, totaling 11 catches for 122 yards (ranking 104th among NFL wideouts). Boykin has struggled to develop any chemistry with Lamar Jackson and his increasing miscommunication with the quarterback has become a hot topic in Baltimore. With defenses loading up the box to stop the run game, Boykin can make teams pay with some big plays on the outside. The Ravens need a third option because teams are focusing their coverages to stop wide receiver Marquise Brown and tight end Mark Andrews. -- Jamison Hensley

NFL.com -- Rank: 4

How could you not love the win-now move by Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta, who pulled the trigger on a trade last week to import Pro Bowl defensive end Yannick Ngakoue from the Vikings for a pair of draft picks? Ngakoue gives John Harbaugh a bookend pass rusher to line up opposite Matthew Judon, bringing more ferocity to a defense that entered the Week 7 bye tops in football in points allowed per game (17.3) and tied for second in sacks (22). Ngakoue's ability to win one-on-one battles and cause havoc adds another dimension to a Baltimore D that typically relies on blitzing to get to the passer. The next five weeks will bring matchups against Ben Roethlisberger (Week 8 and 12), Philip Rivers, Cam Newton and Ryan Tannehill. Baltimore's defense should be ready for the challenge.

Previous update: Baltimore Ravens Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

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