The Ravens will host the Browns for Sunday's season opener.

Analysis: As if it's possible, the Ravens' defense seemingly got better this offseason. Even with the departure of S Earl Thomas, they bolstered their pass rush with DE Derek Wolfe and DE Calais Campbell while adding rookie first-rounder LB Patrick Queen. The Browns have a ton of weapons after the addition of TE Austin Hooper, but we'll see how QB Baker Mayfield bounces back from last year's dud. He'll need to pass a ton nonetheless, and that raises the ceiling due to potential turnovers, making Ravens…read more

The Ravens released Earl Thomas on Sunday for "personal conduct that has adversely affected the Baltimore Ravens."

Analysis: Thomas got in a fight with fellow safety Chuck Clark during practice and was promptly dismissed from the team. It appears DeShon Elliott will get the first shot at the starting free safety job moving forward, but he doesn't have the impact of Thomas -- a five-time All Pro. Their secondary will inherently be weaker, but they can make up for the loss with a boost in the pass-rush department from free-agent acquisitions Calais Campbell and Derek Wolfe -- who have combined for 25.5 sacks over the…read more

The Ravens allowed 15 points and 241 total yards to the Browns in Week 16's win.

Analysis: The Ravens' defense continues to be one of the top units in the league, holding a 10th straight team to 21 or fewer points. It has produced six multi-turnover games in that stretch as well. The Steelers don't have a threatening offense, averaging 14.3 points over the past three games and committing nine turnovers in that stretch. In fact, they've coughed up a turnover in each game this year. If the Ravens were rolling out a full lineup, they'd be a solid start, but fade their projection with…read more

The Ravens allowed 21 points and 310 total yards to the Jets in Week 15's win over the Jets.

Analysis: The Ravens also managed to force two turnovers, marking their 11th straight game with a turnover. The Browns enter the game with three straight two-turnover games, and Baker Mayfield was sacked seven times in that stretch. They were able to light up the Ravens for 40 points in Week 3, but that game appears to be nothing but an anomaly, as the Ravens' defense is a new beast after the addition of Marcus Peters and Josh Bynes. There's no defense playing better, and with the Browns in a slump, the…read more

The Ravens allowed 17 points and 331 total yards to the Bills in Week 14's win.

Analysis: The Ravens also forced a turnover for the 10th straight game. The team hasn't allowed more than 20 points in a game since Week 5 as well, and they're in a good position to continue the streak since the Jets rank 29th with 17.4 PPG and 31st with 271.4 total YPG. Whether the Jets have Le'Veon Bell (illness) back in the fold affects the unit's floor, the Ravens D/ST is a top-tier start since the Jets have coughed up 21 turnovers while Sam Darnold has been sacked 2.8 times per game.

The Ravens allowed 20 points and forced a turnover in Week 13's win over the 49ers.

Analysis: The Ravens were torched on the ground by some big plays, but they held Jimmy Garoppolo to 157 passing yards. It was the fourth straight game that they allowed less than 200 passing yards, and they've forced a turnover in nine straight contests, including six multi-turnover games. The Bills running game is their top asset, as Josh Allen contributes significantly and the team ranks fifth with 137.9 rushing YPG. However, they could be forced to throw early and often if Baltimore gets out to…read more

The Ravens allowed six points and forced two turnovers in Week 12's win over the Rams.

Analysis: The Ravens looked fantastic on defense, and it didn't hurt that their offense never put them in a tough position by dominating the time of possession. The trade for Marcus Peters keeps getting better, as he's snagged three interceptions, running two back for six, while allowing just 5.2 yard per target. He'll likely get a heavy dose of Emmanuel Sanders, who hasn't looked fully healthy over the last couple weeks with just four catches over the last two games. Still, the Ravens need to deal with…read more

The Ravens allowed seven points and 232 total yards in Week 11's win over the Texans.

Analysis: The Ravens' defense established itself among the elite with this performance, as it sacked Deshaun Watson six times and held him to 169 passing yards, no touchdowns and an interception. The pass rush showing life is definitely a positive sign, and the secondary did its part in coverage. This unit has a volatile value this week, while Brandin Cooks (concussion) and Robert Woods (personal) both have uncertain statuses. Goff has recorded 8.4 YPA at home this year, but there's a major ceiling for…read more

The Ravens forced three turnovers, running one back for a score, in Week 10's 49-13 win over the Bengals.

Analysis: The Ravens met expectations against rookie QB Ryan Finley by producing a superb fantasy outing, but they'll need to kick it up a gear against the daunting Texans and QB Deshaun Watson. Houston ranks third in the league in total offense (396.7 YPG) but has shown vulnerability with 11 turnovers. Still, Watson is an elite talent who can beat teams through the air and on the ground, and his five rushing scores are a main reason the Texans rank fifth in the league with a 65.7 red-zone touchdown…read more