5 bold predictions for the Baltimore Ravens in 2018

The Baltimore Ravens have a bold plan to return to the playoffs in 2018. Instead, here are five bold predictions for the team’s upcoming season.

The story of the summer for the Baltimore Ravens has absolutely been the quarterback battle between Joe Flacco and Lamar Jackson. In many ways, it’s obscured every other story that might have come out of Raven’s training camp. Perhaps that as part of John Harbaugh’s covert draft day plan.

As the season approaches, the rest of the Ravens roster will start to feel the pressure as well. Baltimore didn’t make the playoffs last season, but the expect to make it in 2018. If that’s going to happen, it will require quite a few players to outperform their preseason expectations.

In particular, Harbaugh and company need the offense to be much more productive. We start our bold predictions by discussing a veteran wide receiver who could be primed for a gigantic season.

5. Michael Crabtree will go over 1,000 yards receiving

Dez Bryant might have been the Ravens’ first choice wide receiver signing this summer, but it’s very likely they dodged a bullet. Crabtree seems to have more gas left in the tank than the former Cowboys star.

In fact, he currently projects to be Baltimore’s number one wideout. That isn’t a massive statement given the competition. John Brown and Willie Snead both have potential, but neither is an established star. Crabtree will be counted on to lead the group.

Remember, Crabtree broke the 1,000 yard barrier just two years ago. It isn’t a stretch to think he can have one more big season at the age of 31. After all, he isn’t a player who depends on his speed to beat defenders down the field. Instead, he likes to use his size and catch radius to pluck balls out of the air over the heads of smaller cornerbacks. Look for Crabtree to get plenty of targets this season. He’ll go over 1,000 yard receiving, but just barely.