2008 Figures: Overall record: 11-5. ATS: 12-4. O/U: 9-6-1
2008 Rankings: Scoring offense: 24.06 (No. 11) Scoring Defense: 15.25 (No. 3)
2008 Inside the Numbers: The Ravens held 11 opponents to 13 points or less in 2008, which lead the league. They also were among the tops of the NFL with 19 players on injured reserve.
2009 Super Bowl Odds: +2200

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Offense: The Ravens struck gold when they drafted Joe Flacco out of Delaware last season. The 6-foot-6 QB won the starting job in training camp and started all 16 games for Baltimore. His job was to manage the game, eliminate mistakes, and ride the running game - which he did magnificently. The Ravens, on the legs of Le’Ron McClain (231 attempts, 907 yards), Willis McGahee (170 attempts, 671 yards), and rookie Ray Rice (107 attempts, 454 yards), finished the season ranked fourth in rushing yards per game. More importantly, they finished No. 1 in the league in time of possession (33:15 per game).

This season may be more of the same for Baltimore even with the return of leading receiver Derrick Mason. Mason accounted for 80 catches and 1,037 yards and was considering retirement but recently decided to come back and play. The aging of Todd Heap, who has seen his production steadily drop the past three seasons, is concerning as he is showing plenty of wear entering his 10th NFL season. Ex-Eagle L.J. Smith was signed this offseason to compliment Heap in the red zone. However, he, like Heap, may have his best days well behind him.

The offensive line is better than average, but not spectacular. Veteran Matt Birk was signed to replace Jason Brown, who left for St. Louis. Michael Oher was drafted in the first round of the NFL Draft and is expected to take the place of Willie Anderson, who retired.

Defense: The staple of the Ravens for the past decade has been the defense. Despite the up-and-downs or flat unpredictable play of the offense, Ray Lewis has had this unit ready on game day. Greg Mattison takes over as defensive coordinator for Rex Ryan but will smartly not tinker with the 3-4 system and complex schemes. In 2008 Baltimore was in the Top 5 of most defensive categories and only dipped to No. 10 in passing yards per game. Much of the success of the team was predicated on the defense getting off the field. They lead the league in first downs allowed, giving up only 14.25 per game as well as forcing an NFL-best 2.13 turnovers per game. The bulk of the team returns but the loss of Ryan and inside linebacker Bart Scott may signal a step back.

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2009-10 Baltimore Ravens Predictions: The Ravens have not been as successful, or profitable for NFL handicappers, when expectations are placed on them. They have not put together back-to-back winning seasons in the past five years. In 2005, following a nine-win 2004, the Ravens dropped back to a six-win season. Then in 2007 following a big bounce back 13-win 2006 season, Baltimore managed only five wins. With Baltimore coming off an 11-5 SU season, and a 12-4 ATS year, look for the Ravens to take a step back in 2009. With a tougher schedule, potential sophomore slump for Flacco, and 20 of the 22 starters being another year older an eight-win season may be more realistic expectations.