3 projected NFL contenders that could just as easily miss the playoffs

By Jacob Roach | Jul 11, 2022

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) throws from the pocket in the third quarter during an NFL AFC wild-card playoff game against the Cincinnati Bengals, Saturday, Jan. 15, 2022, at Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati. The Cincinnati Bengals defeated the Las Vegas Raiders, 26-19 to win the franchise's first playoff game in 30 years.Las Vegas Raiders At Cincinnati Bengals Jan 15 Afc Wild Card Game /

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Baltimore Ravens /

NFL contender who could miss the playoffs – Baltimore Ravens

The 2021 season for the Baltimore Ravens was riddled with injuries but still managed to win eight games. With most of the players that missed time returning to full health and another strong draft, the Ravens look primmed for a bounceback season.

Left tackle Ronnie Stanley is going off consecutive years cut short by injuries that forced him to have season-ending surgeries. The Ravens seem to be optimistic that he will be ok but if there are lingering effects or games missed will the Ravens be able to manage the situation? Lamar Jackson struggled in 2021 and if the left side of the line isn’t 100 percent that could lead to more struggles in 2022.

The biggest worry for Ravens fans has to start with the quarterback, can Jackson get back to MVP form and put ’21 behind him? He lost receiver Hollywood Brown and outside of tight end Mark Andrews — who is one of the best in the game — are there any weapons on the team in the passing game that can get it done to bounce back in ’22?

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