2012 NFL Picks: Baltimore Ravens Over/Under Odds, Schedule, AFC and Super Bowl Odds

2012 NFL Team Predictions: Baltimore Ravens Vegas Over/Under Odds, Schedule and Forecast: Last year, the Baltimore Ravens literally had a Super Bowl trip within their grasp. Facing the New England Patriots in the AFC title game, quarterback Joe Flacco hit receiver Lee Evans with a potential go-ahead touchdown pass late in the fourth quarter, only to have Evans fail to hold on to the ball. A game-tying field goal attempt also sailed wide, ending Baltimore’s seasons in heartbreaking fashion. The silver lining is that all the important parts are back from last year’s group, but on the other hand, recovering from the mental blow of coming so close to reaching the Super Bowl can be just as bad as the hangover that comes with winning a championship. Fortunately for the Ravens, they have the type of veteran leadership that could allow them to finish what they started last season.

Since winning the Super Bowl in 2000, the calling card of the Ravens has been their defense. Veterans Ray Lewis and Ed Reed lead the unit, and while the critics have said the future Hall of Famers have lost a step, it doesn’t show on paper. Last year, Baltimore allowed the third-fewest points and the third-fewest yards. The defense also ranked second in sacks and forced more fumbles than any other team. With younger stars like nose tackle Haloti Ngata, linebacker Jameel McClain and corner Lardarius Webb supporting Lewis and Reed, this unit figures to be among the best in the game once again. Not to mention that defending Defensive Player of the Year Terrell Suggs will be back from an Achilles injury sometime in the middle of the season to provide an added boost for the stretch run.

While the defense has been dominant and reliable for years, the offense has often been inconsistent. In fact, there have been years when even a mediocre offense would have been enough to take Baltimore to a Super Bowl. Flacco has taken the brunt of the criticism for the team’s playoff failures, but the young QB has still helped the Ravens reach the playoffs in four straight seasons and win at least one game once there. More importantly, Flacco would have already answered the critics and Evans just held on to the ball against New England last season. With a solid possession receiver in Anquan Boldin, a speedy deep threat in Torrey Smith and two solid tight ends, Flacco has the weapons to have a career year.

With Flacco and the passing attack steadily improving, it should only make life easier on Ray Rice and the running game. Rice may be the best all-around back in the NFL, and he is the most reliable weapon for the Baltimore offense. He has the speed to score from anywhere on the field, the strength to get the job done around the goal line, and the hands to do plenty of damage in the passing game, as well. When the Ravens get Rice the ball early and often, good things tend to happen. With Baltimore likely to have its most balanced offense in years, Rice and company should finally be able to provide the counterpunch the defense needs.

The only downside for Baltimore is that they play in the rough AFC North. Vicious rivalries with Pittsburgh and Cincinnati make the schedule rough, and after blowing out the Steelers and winning the division last year, the Ravens will have targets on their backs this season. As a result, an equally talented Pittsburgh team could easily win the AFC North in 2012. That being said, Baltimore should still make a return to the postseason and make another deep run. The Ravens aren’t the favorite to win the Super Bowl, but they are definitely a threat.

Prediction: 11-5, 2nd Place AFC
North                                                                                                 

2012 Baltimore Ravens Odds
Odds to Win Super Bowl: +1825
Vegas Team Wins Over/Under Odds: 10 Wins
Odds to Win AFC North: +130
Odds to Win AFC: 7/1

2012 Baltimore Ravens Weekly Schedule
DATE OPPONENT TV
09/10/2012 vs Cincinnati N/A
09/16/2012 at Philadelphia N/A
09/23/2012 vs New England N/A
09/27/2012 vs Cleveland N/A
10/07/2012 at Kansas City N/A
10/14/2012 vs Dallas N/A
10/21/2012 at Houston N/A
11/04/2012 at Cleveland N/A
11/11/2012 vs Oakland N/A
11/18/2012 at Pittsburgh N/A
11/25/2012 at San Diego N/A
12/02/2012 vs Pittsburgh N/A
12/09/2012 at Washington N/A
12/16/2012 vs Denver N/A
12/23/2012 vs NY Giants N/A
12/30/2012 at Cincinnati N/A

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