Baltimore Ravens

Team Overview

The Baltimore Ravens enter 2025 as a perennial AFC contender, led by MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and a punishing ground game. Despite a 12-5 record in 2024 and an AFC North title, they fell short in the playoffs, losing to Buffalo in the Divisional Round. For survivor pool players, the Ravens are a high-value pick with a favorable schedule and a dynamic offense, but their divisional games and early-season tests require careful planning. This analysis dives into their roster, draft, metrics, and schedule to maximize your survivor pool success.

Team Roster Review

Offense

• Quarterback: Lamar Jackson (4,172 passing yards, 41 TDs, 915 rushing yards in 2024), Josh Johnson. Jackson’s dual-threat ability remains elite, breaking Michael Vick’s QB rushing record in 2024. His 22-1 record vs. NFC teams is a survivor pool gem.
• Running Backs: Derrick Henry (1,540 yards, 16 TDs in 2024), Justice Hill, Keaton Mitchell, Rasheen Ali (rookie). Henry’s record-breaking rushing touchdown season powers a relentless ground attack, supported by Hill’s versatility and Mitchell’s explosive potential.
• Wide Receivers: Zay Flowers (1,100+ yards in 2024, injured late), Rashod Bateman, Tylan Wallace, LaJohntay Wester (rookie). Flowers’ absence in Week 18 hurt, but his return bolsters the unit. Bateman’s consistency and Wester’s upside add depth.
• Tight Ends: Mark Andrews (700+ yards, 6 TDs in 2024), Isaiah Likely, Charlie Kolar. Andrews remains a red-zone threat, and Likely’s emergence provides flexibility.
• Offensive Line: Ronnie Stanley, Andrew Vorhees, Tyler Linderbaum, Patrick Mekari (signed from Ravens in 2024), Emery Jones Jr. (rookie), Carson Vinson (rookie). Losing Kevin Zeitler hurt, but draft additions and Linderbaum’s Pro Bowl play keep the line solid.

Defense

• Defensive Line: Justin Madubuike, Michael Pierce, Aeneas Peebles (rookie). Madubuike’s 12 sacks in 2024 anchor a stout front, with Pierce’s historic interception showcasing depth. Peebles adds rotational upside.
• Linebackers: Roquan Smith (All-Pro), Trenton Simpson, Teddye Buchanan (rookie). Smith’s 140+ tackles and leadership define the unit, with Simpson’s speed and Buchanan’s instincts adding youth.
• Secondary: Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, Malaki Starks (rookie), Ar’Darius Washington, Bilhal Kone (rookie), Robert Longerbeam (rookie). Starks’ versatility and Hamilton’s All-Pro play make this group dynamic, though Humphrey’s injury history is a concern.
• Special Teams: Kicker Tyler Loop (rookie), Punter Jordan Stout, LS Nick Moore. Loop replaces Justin Tucker, whose 2024 struggles raised questions. Stout’s consistency is a plus.

2025 Draft Class

• Round 1, Pick 27: S Malaki Starks (Georgia) – Elite playmaker, versatile coverage skills. Immediate starter.
• Round 2, Pick 59: EDGE Mike Green – High-risk, high-reward pass rusher with off-field concerns but top-10 talent.
• Round 3, Pick 91: OL Emery Jones Jr. – Versatile lineman to bolster depth.
• Round 4, Pick 129: LB Teddye Buchanan – Instinctive tackler for depth.
• Round 4, Pick 141: OT Carson Vinson – Developmental tackle with upside.
• Round 5, Pick 178: CB Bilhal Kone – Adds secondary depth.
• Round 5, Pick 186: K Tyler Loop – Potential Tucker replacement.
• Round 6, Pick 203: WR LaJohntay Wester – Speedy slot receiver.
• Round 6, Pick 210: DL Aeneas Peebles – Rotational interior defender.
• Round 6, Pick 212: CB Robert Longerbeam – Depth with special teams value.
• Round 7, Pick 243: G Garrett Dellinger – Depth for interior line.

Team Offense and Defense Metrics (2024 Season)

• Offense: The Ravens led the NFL with 7,224 total yards, including 4,000+ passing and 3,000+ rushing yards, a historic first. Their 5.8 yards per carry ranked second all-time. Jackson’s 41 passing TDs and 4 INTs fueled a top-5 scoring offense (28.1 PPG).
• Defense: Allowed 244.1 passing yards per game (third-worst in 25 years), but a 5.9 yards per pass attempt was the NFL’s best. 54 sacks (2nd) and 31.4% pressure rate (11th) highlight a fierce pass rush.
• 2025 Outlook: Offensively, expect more of the same with Henry and Jackson healthy, though Flowers’ recovery is key. Defensively, Starks and Green should shore up the secondary and pass rush, potentially elevating the unit to top-10 status.

2025 Schedule Analysis

*Win probabilities are estimated based on 2024 performance, roster changes, and opponent strength.

Notes on Key Stats from 2024

• Historic Offense: The Ravens’ 7,224 total yards and 5.8 yards per carry set franchise and NFL records, showcasing their dominance.
• Jackson’s NFC Dominance: A 22-1 record against NFC teams makes Weeks 7, 8, 10, 16, and 17 attractive for survivor pools.
• Pass Defense Struggles: Allowing 244.1 passing yards per game highlights a secondary weakness, mitigated by Starks’ addition.
• Injury Impact: Flowers’ late-season injury and Humphrey’s recurring issues underscore the need for depth, addressed in the draft.

Survivor Pool Strategy

The Ravens are a Top-Tier Anchor for survivor pools due to their high win probabilities in multiple weeks, elite offense, and strong home performances (7-1 home record in 2024). Their schedule offers several low-risk matchups, but divisional games and elite opponents like Kansas City and Buffalo require caution. Save them for home games against weaker opponents to maximize value, as their popularity in pools can burn them early.

Best Survivor Picks

• Week 8 vs. Chicago Bears (80%): The Bears’ offense, led by Caleb Williams, struggled in 2024 (108 yards in Week 1). Baltimore’s defense and run game should overwhelm them at home.
• Week 16 vs. New England Patriots (80%): The Patriots’ rebuilding offense faces a brutal matchup against Baltimore’s pass rush and secondary. A late-season home game is a safe bet.
• Week 2 vs. Las Vegas Raiders (75%): The Raiders’ offense lacks the firepower to match Baltimore’s ground attack, making this an early, high-value pick.

Weeks to Avoid

• Week 1 vs. Buffalo Bills: A prime-time opener against a playoff contender is too risky, despite home advantage.
• Week 4 vs. Kansas City Chiefs: Facing Mahomes and a Super Bowl contender is a trap, even at home.
• Week 15 at Cincinnati Bengals: Divisional road games are volatile, and Cincinnati’s offense can exploit Baltimore’s secondary.
• Week 18 at Pittsburgh Steelers: Week 18 is unpredictable with potential resting starters, and Pittsburgh’s defense is a nightmare on the road.

Additional Survivor Pool Considerations

• Home Dominance: Baltimore’s 7-1 home record in 2024 makes M&T Bank Stadium a survivor pool haven. Prioritize Weeks 2, 5, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, and 16.
• NFC Matchups: Jackson’s 22-1 NFC record is a cheat code for Weeks 7, 8, 10, 16, and 17. Use these strategically to save other elite teams.
• Injury Risks: Monitor Flowers and Humphrey’s health, as their absences could weaken the offense and secondary.
• Pool Size: In large pools, avoid popular picks like Week 2 to differentiate. In smaller pools, lean on high-probability weeks like 8 and 16.

Final Verdict

The Baltimore Ravens are a survivor pool powerhouse for 2025, offering multiple high-probability home games and Lamar Jackson’s NFC dominance. Weeks 8 and 16 stand out as near-locks, while Week 2 is a strong early option. Avoid divisional traps and elite matchups to preserve their value. With a bolstered defense and historic offense, the Ravens are a must-have in your survivor pool arsenal, but timing is everything to avoid burning them early.

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