4. Baltimore Ravens
Ozzie Newsome was part of the Baltimore Ravens organization since before they were even known as the Ravens. Originally a player for the Cleveland Browns, he moved with the franchise in 1996 and finally decided to retire after the 2018 season. He didn’t leave before setting up his protege Eric DeCosta with a franchise quarterback.
With the final pick in the first round of 2018 NFL Draft, Newsome took Louisville quarterback Lamar Jackson. He ended up taking the Ravens to the postseason as they won the AFC North. Entering the playoffs on a hot streak, the Ravens were upset by the Los Angeles Chargers and made a quick exit.
Unfortunately, they’re on the predicted list to miss the postseason in 2019. Their path last year came via division win and it’s going to be difficult to repeat that. The Pittsburgh Steelers enter the season drama free and are considered the front runners despite trading away Antonio Brown.
There’s also the Cleveland Browns who have had a fantastic offseason. They were vastly improved last season with Baker Mayfield proving to be a franchise quarterback. Now he has Odell Beckham, Jr. and Kareem Hunt will join them Week 8.
Baltimore will be in the mix but they’re not a lock to win their division which makes them a candidate to be home for the playoffs.