NFL Power Rankings, Week 1: Titans ink Clowney, Chiefs remain clear favorites

Certainly by their standards, the end to the Baltimore Ravens’ season last year came prematurely. After Lamar Jackson put forth an MVP-winning effort and led his team to a 14-2 record, the best mark in the league, the team failed to secure a playoff win as they were beaten into submission by the Titans.

For a team with a young quarterback, especially one as talented as Jackson, the key is building off of that tough loss and getting better. On paper, it seems as if the Ravens have done exactly that this offseason as they should be even more dangerous and complete.

The offense should largely look the same, though there have been some more weapons added on that side of the ball. But Earl Thomas departure aside, the defense is where things have progressed. Baltimore traded for Calais Campbell, a huge addition to the defensive line, while also drafting linebacker Patrick Queen in the first round to fill a huge need in the middle of that group.

Jackson needs to evolve as a passer and, in turn, help the offense evolve too. But in only his third season, that seems quite plausible to happen. Even if this team just runs it back, though, the improvements on the defense make the Ravens a viable Super Bowl contender as they enter the 2020 season.