The Baltimore Ravens are ranked No. 16 in ESPN's preseason Football Power Index. Here's everything you need to know about the Ravens heading into the 2019 NFL season:
The big question: Can Lamar Jackson keep defenses honest with his arm?
Teams are going to stack the box and force Jackson to beat them by throwing the ball. One of the most dramatic developments in training camp was Jackson showing significant improvement in his mechanics and accuracy downfield. This is an area where he struggled last season. In the last seven weeks of the regular season (when Jackson made all of his starts), he connected on 37.5 percent of his throws (9-of-24) that traveled at least 15 yards in the air. That ranked 24th in the NFL. If Jackson can be more efficient on those passes, the Ravens offense will be dangerous this season. -- Jamison Hensley
Offseason in a nutshell
The NFL's top-ranked defense took a major hit in free agency, losing three former Pro Bowl players (outside linebacker Terrell Suggs, inside linebacker C.J. Mosley and safety Eric Weddle). The Ravens believe they can replace the leadership void -- especially with the addition of safety Earl Thomas -- but the bigger uncertainty is getting to the quarterback. The Ravens failed to land a proven pass-rusher like Justin Houston. So, beyond Matthew Judon, the pass-rush is banking on Pernell McPhee, Tyus Bowser, Tim Williams and Jaylon Ferguson -- whom totaled 2.5 sacks last season. -- Hensley
Inside the Ravens' schedule
Most important game: Week 4, hosting the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens are the defending AFC North champions, but that seems to be forgotten after all of the offseason moves by the suddenly trendy Browns. This early season matchup on the Ravens' home turf will feature Round 2 of a budding quarterback rivalry -- Lamar Jackson vs. Baker Mayfield -- as well as help determine the balance of power in the division.
Toughest stretch: The easiest part of the Ravens' schedule is the first two weeks, when they play two of the NFL's worst teams in Miami and Arizona. The measuring stick is Weeks 7-12 when the Ravens face four playoff teams from 2018 in a five-game stretch, which includes two cross-country trips (at Seattle and Los Angeles Rams) and a prime-time showdown with the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.
Over or under 8.2 wins? Slightly over, because of coach John Harbaugh and quarterback Lamar Jackson. Harbaugh has repeatedly found ways to keep the Ravens in postseason contention, producing winning seasons in eight of 11 years. Jackson turned around Baltimore's season last year, winning six of seven starts to lead the Ravens to the AFC North title. There are question marks about this year's team, but Harbaugh and Jackson have a track record for winning. -- Hensley
Schedule ranking: No. 16
Their toughest out-of-division opponents tend to come on the road (Chiefs, Seahawks, Rams) and their easiest tend to come at home (Cardinals, 49ers, Jets). The exception: Week 1's trip to Miami and the Week 9 game hosting the Patriots that kicks off their hardest schedule stretch. As part of that stretch, the Ravens are one of four teams who have to play consecutive games against opponents coming off their bye weeks. -- Football Outsiders | See the full 1-32 ranking
Breakout fantasy star: QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson makes for one of the league's most intriguing storylines this season after the 2018 first-round pick set the NFL single-season quarterback record with 147 carries. Jackson started seven games, but he averaged a massive 17 carries per game and ranked seventh in the entire NFL with 556 rushing yards. His passing struggles are a big red flag -- he completed 58 percent of his throws (fourth-worst) and was off target on 22 percent (second-worst) -- but his elite rushing production provides him QB1 upside in fantasy. -- Mike Clay | More fantasy coverage
The view from Vegas
Super Bowl odds: 45-1 (opened 40-1)
Over/under: 8 (O -130/U +110)
Playoff odds: Yes +170, No -190
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook as of Sept. 2.
Most interesting player prop
Over or under 826.5 rushing yards for Lamar Jackson:
Hensley: Over. It would be considered a disappointment if Jackson fell under this rushing total. Jackson has repeatedly said he will run the ball less than last year (when he averaged 17 runs in his seven starts), but it's a safe bet he still ends up with 10 runs per game. If he averages 5.5 yards per carry, Jackson will rush for 880 yards. Don't be surprised if Jackson joins Michael Vick as the only quarterbacks to gain more than 1,000 yards rushing in a season.
Bold prediction: Jackson will set the NFL record for most rushing yards by a quarterback in a single season
Using his electric speed and elusive moves, Jackson will surpass his childhood idol Michael Vick, who is the only quarterback to run for more than 1,000 yards in the league (he did so in 2006). He'll also become the ninth quarterback to score double-digit rushing touchdowns. -- Hensley
Where the Ravens landed in NFLRank
No. 73: S Earl Thomas
No. 99: G Marshal Yanda