2017 NFL Power Rankings: Los Angeles Rams Enter Offseason Near Bottom

22. Baltimore Ravens

It’s hard to believe the Baltimore Ravens were in the hunt for the AFC North title at the end of the season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, despite finishing with an 8-8 record. Once again, it was the Ravens’ defense that carried the team for a majority of the year, as the offense could have performed better with Joe Flacco under center.

Baltimore’s defense should make them contenders once again heading into 2017, but Flacco and the offense will need to elevate their game to a higher level if that’s ever going to happen. There’s only so much a quarterback like Flacco can do on his own, and with Steve Smith deciding to call it a career, the Ravens will need to make some sort of move by adding another wide receiver, whether it’s through the draft or free agency.

No matter what happens, it’s tough not to imagine what could have been for Baltimore this year after falling out of contention by losing three of their final four games during the regular season, two of which came against the New England Patriots and Pittsburgh Steelers. As long as the offense can improve in the offseason, all signs point to the Ravens strongly competing for the AFC North once again in 2017.