Kevin Eck

Ravens Have Highest Projected Win Total by Oddsmakers

The oddsmakers are betting the Ravens will bounce back in a big way from a disappointing 2025 season.

The betting odds for the Ravens' win total this season is 11.5, the highest in the NFL,per Pro Football Talks Michael David Smith.

Baltimore has lost 12 free agents this offseason, but landed elite pass rusher Trey Hendrickson and made several other shrewd, under-the-radar signings.

The projected win total also reflects belief in first-year Head Coach Jesse Minter.

"In 2025 the Ravens finished a disappointing 8-9, leading to the departure of Head Coach John Harbaugh," Smith wrote. "Minter was brought in to take the Ravens back to where they were in 2024, when they went 12-5. That's where expectations are this year."

Bleacher Reports Gary Davenportagreed that 12-5 is a realistic expectation for the Ravens.

"On paper, the Ravens have the best roster in the AFC North, led by a two-time MVP quarterback in Lamar Jackson," Davenport wrote. "But this is a team that is expected to do more than just make the postseason. The Ravens are expected to make a real run at Super Bowl LXI."

Nine teams have the next-highest win total at 10.5: the Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, and Seattle Seahawks.

Pundit Claims Ravens Should Be Panicking After Early Portion of Free Agency

Sports Illustrateds Matt Verderameisn't as bullish on Baltimore. In fact, he named the Ravens as a team that should be panicking after the initial part of free agency.

"The Ravens have real problems," Verderame wrote. "Yes, adding Trey Hendrickson will help alleviate some of the panic, and they're a good team, but this is a very top-heavy group that's aging. Outside of Zay Flowers and Kyle Hamilton, there isn't much to be excited about when talking about under-age-29 talent. Baltimore is an older, expensive squad that lost a ton in free agency, including Tyler Linderbaum, Isaiah Likely, Jordan Stout, Patrick Ricard, Alohi Gilman and others. Not ideal."

One could argue that the Ravens' cupboard of under-29 talent isn't as bare as Verderame suggested, particularly on defense.

Defensive tackle Travis Jones (26) may not be a household name outside of Baltimore, but he has become a key member of the defense and signed a three-year contract extension in December.

Cornerback Nate Wiggins (22) and safety Malaki Starks (22), both first-round picks, have high ceilings, as does outside linebacker Mike Green (22), a second-round pick. Inside linebacker Teddye Buchanan (23) won a starting job last season and was named to the Pro Football Writers Association All-Rookie Team.

Moreover, the Ravens have 11 draft picks, so even more young talent is on the way.

As for the Ravens panicking, that's simply not in their DNA. This offseason isn't the first in which they've had significant losses in free agency. They have a proven track record of drafting and developing players, which is why they're one of the most consistently successful teams in the league.

Where Does Ravens-Steelers Rank Among American Sports Rivalries?

Fox Sportsranked the top 10 rivalries in American sports, and Ravens-Steelers came in at No. 8.

"It's a relatively new rivalry, since the Baltimore Ravens didn't exist until 1996. But even though it lacks a lengthy history, it has quickly become an annual clash of the NFL titans," Fox Sports' Ralph Vacchiano wrote. "The Ravens have had just five losing seasons since the turn of the century. The Steelers have had only one. And since the NFL realigned into the current division format in 2002, either the Ravens or the Steelers have won the AFC North 18 of the last 24 times.

"In other words, when they play, it usually matters a lot. That includes five times in the playoffs and the 2008 AFC Championship Game. And added to that is the cold, northeast weather in two outdoor stadiums; the tough, running styles both teams have built over the years; and their two long-term coaches (John Harbaugh and Mike Tomlin), who faced off 40 times over two decades in the regular season and four more in the playoffs."

Two other NFL rivalries made the list: Bears-Packers (No. 3) and Cowboys-Eagles (No. 9).

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