Baltimore ended their 2022 campaign with a 10-7 record and a first-round loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC Wild Card game.
The Ravens scored the 19th most points in the NFL last season, but injuries to former MVP QB Lamar Jackson with the 28th-worst passing offense left Baltimore searching for answers.
Four Former First-Round Draft Choices on Ravens Roster
The Ravens’ receiving corps is headlined by 2021 first-rounder Rashod Bateman, who led the team with 46 catches for 598 yards last season. Bateman missed five games in 2021 with a groin injury but played all 16 games in 2022.
Joining him are veteran additions Odell Beckham Jr., Nelson Agholor, and Laquon Treadwell.
Beckham Jr. is the biggest name of the bunch, a three-time Pro Bowler who overcame recent injuries to show he still has elite playmaking ability, but he tore his ACL in Super Bowl LVI, causing him to miss the 2022 NFL season.
Agholor arrived after a 16-game season with the Patriots, but injuries have limited him. He grabbed 31 balls for 362 yards and a pair of TDs and, if healthy, should provide Jackson with another set of dependable hands to throw to.
Treadwell played six games for the Seattle Seahawks last season, catching six passes for 42 yards. Treadwell has a long history of injuries dating back to his college days at Mississippi – Baltimore is hoping they signed the Treadwell, who caught 33 passes for 434 yards and a TD in 2021 for Jacksonville, instead of the injury-prone wideout he’s been in the past.
With Jackson at quarterback and tight end Mark Andrews also requiring attention from defenses, the Ravens’ wealth of weapons at receiver could make for a dynamic passing offense in 2023 if they can stay healthy. It’s an enviable collection of talent, headlined by five receivers all deemed first-round worthy earlier in their careers.
The Zay Flowers Era Begins
The Ravens further bolstered their receiving corps by drafting Zay Flowers out of Boston College with the 22nd overall pick in 2023.
Flowers was an electrifying playmaker in college, hauling 200 passes for 3056 yards and 29 TDs. Flowers did miss two games last season with a shoulder injury. He’ll provide an explosive element to the Ravens’ passing attack.
2023 Baltimore Ravens Team and Individual Future Odds
- To Win Super Bowl LVIII +2000
- To Win the AFC Conference +1100
- To Win the AFC North +230
- To Make the Playoffs Yes (-165), No (+140)
- 2023 Win Total Over 9.5 (-170), Under (+150)
- Lamar Jackson MVP Odds (+1500)
The Ravens prioritized finding receivers this offseason after struggling in the passing game. While injury risks remain, the additions of Beckham Jr., Agholor, and Treadwell provide proven veterans. Coupled with exciting rookie Flowers, this group has strong potential if healthy.
For bettors, the influx of receiving talent makes taking Baltimore’s regular-season Over 9.5 wins or +230 odds to win the AFC North worth consideration.
A healthy Ravens offense should improve significantly with Jackson’s passing props and Andrews’ receiving props to see upticks if the Ravens’ air attack takes a step forward.
With Jackson protected by a stellar O-line, the tools are there for an offensive leap. Bettors who believe in the Ravens’ new receivers staying on the field may find value in Baltimore’s futures and player props for 2023, but the health of Beckham Jr, Agholor, and Treadwell makes laying so much vig untenable.
Finally, the Ravens have one of the easier schedules in the NFL this season, and their win total 9.5 is more than doable however, laying -170 to win $100 isn’t a good bet to make as the price is just too much.
Baltimore should make the playoffs, but -165 at DraftKings MD is too expensive for an NFL Futures bet.
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