The 2024 NFL Season is rapidly approaching. The season kicks off on Thursday, September 5 and every day through Monday, September 2 we’ll be going team-by-team as we preview the new season. Be sure to come back here every afternoon as we look at a new team and get your ready for the 2024 season. We’ll cover off-season changes, the fantasy prospects, and the prediction for how the team will fare this season.

The Ravens were a force to be reckoned with in the 2023 regular season. The Ravens won 13 games and topped everyone, even dispatching the top seeded NFC squad, the San Francisco 49ers, in a December battle. Lamar Jackson was the NFL’s regular season MVP and all signs pointed to the Ravens making a big splash in the post-season. But they couldn’t get it done against the Chiefs, falling at home in the AFC Championship Game. This off-season, the Ravens made a splash on offense, grabbing the big piece in the backfield they hope will push them over the top. Let’s look at the 2024 Baltimore Ravens.

Off-Season Changes

The Ravens saw a number of contributors from 2023 depart. Running backs Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins followed former Offensive Coordinator Greg Roman to the Chargers, while Odell Beckham, Jr., took his talents to the Miami Dolphins. Wide receiver Devin Duvernay headed to Jacksonville, backup quarterback Tyler Huntley moved to the Cleveland Browns, Patrick Queen signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Jadeveon Clowney left for the Carolina Panthers. The Ravens even saw cornerbacks Ronald Darby and Rock Ya-Sin leave in free agency.

But it wasn’t a one-way street for the Ravens in free agency. The team added some veterans, snagging wide receiver Deonte Harty to bolster the offense, former Patriot Chris Board at linebacker and former Bears’ safety Eddie Jackson. But the biggest move was landing the biggest free agent back—Derrick Henry. Henry comes to the Ravens after dominating for years with the Titans. In eight seasons he rushed for 9,502 yards and 90 touchdowns. He’s a backfield weapon that adds a new dimension to the Ravens’ attack.

In the draft, the team worked to fill needs, too. The team spent a First-Round selection on cornerback Nate Wiggins. They added another cornerback—T.J. Tampa—in the Fourth Round. In the Second Round, the Ravens grabbed a tackle in Roger Rosengarten and added linebacker Adisa Isaac in the Third Round. With another Fourth-Round pick, the team snagged receiver Devontez Walker. Walker caught 41 passes for 699 yards and seven touchdowns with North Carolina in 2023.

Fantasy Prospects

The Ravens’ fantasy impact is strongest in the backfield. Jackson, coming off an MVP season, won’t have to do as much on the ground, especially in the Red Zone. Still, he’s a dual threat and a QB1. Henry, meanwhile, is a beast. He finished as RB8 in 2023. I think his bruising style is an ideal fit for the Ravens and he should eat in the Red Zone. Edwards had 13 touchdowns in 2023, so the sky’s the limit for Henry. He’s an RB1 for me.

The passing game is more interesting. Tight End Mark Andrews is the focal point and figures to be a Top 5 option at the position. But what about wide receivers? Harty is more of a Special Teams guy, while the rookie Walker figures to come along slowly. That puts the focus on second-year man Zay Flowers and former First-Round pick Rashod Bateman, who got an extension this off-season. Flowers was WR30 in 2023. I like him right in that WR3 range again. Bateman, meanwhile, is a mystery. He’s not performed well in his first three years, but the Ravens expressed confidence in him this off-season. If he is more consistent, he could be a flex consideration.

Prediction

The Ravens were the best team in the league during the regular season last year. But as has been the case, they stumbled in the post-season. I think they have a good team and I suspect they will win 10 to 12 games again and be a playoff contender, but I’m not sold they repeat as AFC North champions.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.