The Case for the Baltimore Ravens to Win Super Bowl LVIII

The Baltimore Ravens are among the select few teams in the NFL that many consider favorites to win the Super Bowl. Despite losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 18 with plenty of their starters resting, the Ravens finished with a 13-4 record and earned themselves a bye week to begin the playoffs as the No. 1 seed in the AFC.

The Ravens have tallied double-digit wins in five of their last six seasons. Even with the regular-season success they've experienced under John Harbaugh, Baltimore would love to advance to its first conference title game since winning the Super Bowl in 2012.

Lamar Jackson is deservedly the favorite to win his second NFL MVP award, but can he lead the Ravens to a deep playoff push? Will the defense carry over its success from the regular season? Let's take a look at Baltimore's case to win Super Bowl LVIII.

Baltimore Ravens Super Bowl Odds

All NFL odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Lines may change after this article is published.

• +350 to Win Super Bowl LVIII (second-best)
• Super Bowl win probability, per numberFire: 30.3% (second-best)

Baltimore Ravens Conference Championship Odds

• +135 (best)

Baltimore Ravens Statistical Recap and Analysis

Data and stats via numberFire's schedule-adjusted metrics.

• Offensive Rankings
  • Rushing: 1st
  • Passing: 9th
  • Overall: 4th
• Defensive Rankings
  • Rushing: 9th
  • Passing: 2nd
  • Overall: 2nd

Why The Ravens Could Win It All

Everything begins and ends with Jackson on the offensive side of the ball. The dynamic quarterback has taken yet another step forward in his development under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken this season.

Among qualified quarterbacks, Jackson finished with the highest passing success rate (56.9%), via NextGenStats. As a result, the former first-round pick registered career-high marks in completion percentage (67.2%) and passing yards (3,678). Jackson also tacked on 821 rushing yards and five touchdowns on the ground.

While it still isn't an elite group of weapons, the Ravens surrounded Jackson with better skill players this season. The additions of Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham helped the aerial attack reach new heights with Jackson under center. Even Isaiah Likely emerged as an effective receiving option down the stretch amid the absence of Mark Andrews.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens have built a daunting unit. Roquan Smith has become a stalwart in the middle of Baltimore's defense since being acquired via trade last season. The Ravens had three edge rushers finish inside the top 20 in pass-rush win rate in Jadeveon Clowney, Odafe Oweh, and Kyle Van Noy, per ESPN.

The Ravens are tied for the most takeaways (31) as defensive backs Geno Stone and Kyle Hamilton have combined for 11 interceptions. While injuries have limited him in recent years, Marlon Humphrey is still a formidable cornerback in Baltimore's secondary.

Why The Ravens Might Fall Short

Many will likely try to point to Jackson's 1-3 record in the postseason as to why the Ravens could fall short in their quest to win the Super Bowl. The electric quarterback has failed to throw a touchdown in back-to-back playoff appearances, but that came in an entirely different offensive scheme.

The Ravens have already lost Andrews and J.K. Dobbins to injuries, so they can't afford to have any of their remaining weapons suffer ailments. Baltimore will be reliant on inexperienced pass catchers in Flowers and Likely while an aging Beckham will need to step up in a large way.

Amid the defense's dominance this season, the run defense could be their biggest weakness. Baltimore's defense is 21st in rushing yards over expected per attempt allowed as teams have shown they can create explosive plays on the ground against them.

Defenses are typically less sticky in the playoffs, so it remains to be seen if the Ravens can lean on their defense to impose their will in each matchup versus other Super Bowl hopefuls.

Final Verdict

There is an argument to be made that the Ravens are the most complete team in the NFL. That is especially true if you consider the fact that Baltimore can trot out Justin Tucker to kick in high-pressure situations throughout the playoffs.

The Ravens finished with seven wins by at least 14 points against teams with a winning record this season, which is the most in league history. Trying to game plan against the Ravens is a difficult task, as they've won games in a variety of ways thus far.

In an AFC that appears to be wide open, there is value to be had in taking the Ravens to win the Super Bowl at +350 odds. A combination of Jackson's sensational play at quarterback and a commanding defense makes the Ravens a dangerous team in the race for the Lombardi Trophy.

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The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.