3 bold predictions for second half of Ravens' 2023 season
The Baltimore Ravens have had quite a start to the 2023 season that not many expected to see. From their 4-1 road record to the statement wins over the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks, the Ravens have emerged as a serious contender in the AFC. The Ravens are now looking ahead to the latter […]
The Baltimore Ravens have had quite a start to the 2023 season that not many expected to see. From their 4-1 road record to the statement wins over the Detroit Lions and the Seattle Seahawks, the Ravens have emerged as a serious contender in the AFC.
The Ravens are now looking ahead to the latter half of the season, which will include a mere three games on the road and three encounters with AFC North rivals.
In what is set to be a hectic second half of the season, here are three bold predictions for the current AFC North leaders.
1. Ravens shatter the record for sacks in a season
Not many offensive lines have had much of an answer for Baltimore’s front seven this year. The Ravens currently lead the NFL in sacks with an astounding 35, and five different players have tallied at least 3.0 sacks.
Overall, the Chicago Bears in the 1984 campaign hold the team record for sacks in a season. The Bears registered 72.0 sacks in 16 games played in the season.
The Ravens should go on to break the team mark for sacks in a single campaign. The Roquan Smith-led Ravens defense is currently on pace to finish the year with 66 sacks, although the unit sure has what it takes to up its odds of breaking the record in the coming weeks.
2. Odell Beckham Jr. continues to turn back the clock
Odell Beckham Jr. orchestrated a long-awaited breakout performance in Baltimore's home win over the Seahawks. From the season-high 56 receiving yards logged to the touchdown catch that he hauled in during the fourth quarter, Beckham had himself quite a showing.
Beckham’s potent outing against Seattle should not go on to be a one-hit-wonder one, as he can very well continue to emerge as an X-factor for the Lamar Jackson-led Ravens offense. While his prime days may be behind him, he is still a wideout who can regularly make game-changing plays.
3. Ravens finish 5-1 against AFC North opponents to cruise to a division title
The last time that the Ravens won the AFC North, they finished with a 5-1 record against division opponents. Baltimore should go on to once again do just that this season.
The Ravens still have three matchups left against AFC North rivals, and they will all come at M&T Bank Stadium. Look for Jackson and company to take care of business in each of these three contests en route to snapping their division title drought.
