2017 NFL Power Rankings: Where do Los Angeles Rams stand heading into Week 1 preseason?

18. Baltimore Ravens

For an offense that already seemed to be in trouble due to lack of weapons, the fact that Joe Flacco has yet to participate in training camp for the Baltimore Ravens seems very concerning since it seems unlikely this team contends without him. Elite or not, Flacco give the Ravens their best chance of producing on offense, and after seeing how inconsistent the unit was in 2016, it’s easy to see why there’s so much concern surrounding the franchise quarterback.

Despite coming off a season in which he crossed the 4,000-yard passing mark for the first time in his career, Baltimore’s offense was far from anything to brag about last season, as the argument can be made this was the main reason they failed to make the postseason. Keep in mind the Ravens were in position to take home the AFC North title late in the season before falling to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Christmas Day, which officially eliminated them from postseason play.

If Flacco’s back issues do carry over into the regular season, Baltimore will rely even more on their defense that should be in good shape after ranking near the top of the league last year. And if Flacco is unable to go, it will be interesting to see how Ryan Mallett lives up to the pressure of handling the responsibilities at quarterback.