5 NFL playoff teams most likely to flame out in 2019

BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 06: Quarterback Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens in action against the Los Angeles Chargers during the AFC Wild Card Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 06, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – JANUARY 06: Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Onwuasor (48) celebrates after tackling Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon (28) for a loss on January 6, 2019, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, MD. (Photo by Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

2. Baltimore Ravens

The run that the Baltimore Ravens went on to make the playoffs last year was remarkable. After starting a sluggish 4-5, the Ravens turned to rookie Lamar Jackson down the stretch, and he helped the team go 6-1 to earn a playoff spot.

Baltimore reinvented itself on offense, relying heavily on the rushing game in order to take advantage of Jackson’s talents, and used a dominant defense to thrive in low scoring games. The Chargers exposed Jackson in the playoffs, playing a defense filled with speedier defensive backs to counter the speed of Jackson, and it led to Baltimore’s elimination.

The Ravens doubled down on Jackson’s ability this season, trading away Joe Flacco and letting veteran pass catchers John Brown and Michael Crabtree walk in favor of younger and more versatile pass catchers. The risk the Ravens run is that unless Jackson takes a significant leap forward in terms of his throwing ability, opposing teams will be able to key on the run game and neutralize Jackson.

The Baltimore defense also took some significant hits in the offseason, losing longtime edge rusher Terrell Suggs and watching inside linebacker C.J. Mosley bolt for a huge payday with the Jets. Eric Weddle also returned to the west coast to sign the Los Angeles Rams, but the addition of Earl Thomas should offset that loss somewhat.

A step back on defense and a lack of progression from Jackson could leave the Ravens vulnerable in the AFC North, where the Steelers are always a threat and Cleveland is poised to contend for a division crown. The Ravens are well coached enough to find a way to get back to the postseason regardless, but the odds are not in their favor.

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