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5 NFL teams that should tank in Week 17

By Phil Naegely

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view as the Tennessee Titans make their pick in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens players are introduced prior to the game against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens players are introduced prior to the game against the St. Louis Rams at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Baltimore Ravens

It’s been anything but a season worth remembering for the Baltimore Ravens. The injury bug hit one by one and took out key players like Terrell Suggs and Joe Flacco. Ryan Mallett stepped up in Week 16 to win just 12 days after being signed by the team.

The Ravens biggest need is on defense at safety as their secondary suffered throughout the 2015 season. In addition, they should find another pass rusher on the defensive end position sooner rather than later, given that Suggs won’t be around forever. If they draft a defensive end in the higher rounds of the draft, Suggs and other veterans on the Ravens will be able to groom the young talent.

Another position the Ravens are better off tanking for is at the wide receiver position. With Steve Smith Sr. going down hurt and Breshad Perriman yet to play a game for the Ravens, Flacco’s passing options were depleted this year unlike in past seasons. The Ravens have no real reason for winning in Week 17 after sweeping the Pittsburgh Steelers this year.

John Harbugh’s job is safe, as this was his first really poor season. With all the injuries he had to work around it was excusable. The 2016 NFL Draft for the Ravens should be about filling needs at safety and defensive end, while adding depth on the offensive side of the ball.

Next: Philadelphia Eagles

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