NFL: 5 bold predictions for the 2014 season

The Baltimore Ravens will go to the AFC Championship Game

The Baltimore Ravens went from Super Bowl champions in the 2012 season to a team that was lucky to finish 8-8 last season.

The offense sputtered last year, but hired Gary Kubiak to run the offense. The rushing attack ranked 30th last year, but mainly because teams did not have much respect for the passing attack.

The Ravens went out and signed Steve Smith to help open up the offensive attack. Combining Torrey Smith and Steve Smith will force defenses to turn their attention to them, thus opening things up for Ray Rice and Bernard Pierce.

The defense added C.J. Mosley and Timmy Jernigan to an already pretty good defense, so they will continue to be solid. Adding a good offense will help take the Ravens far.

The Ravens’ schedule will also be a great help in taking deep into the playoffs. They own the fifth easiest schedule this season. With their easy record and with AFC North champions Cincinnati Bengals facing the New England Patriots, Atlanta Falcons, the Indianapolis Colts and the Ravens twice in their first seven games, the path to this season’s AFC North title could be easy. Once they are in the playoffs, leave things to John Harbaugh to get them far.

They may not win the AFC Conference title, but the Ravens will be in the conference championship game.