2013 Record: 8-8

2014 Las Vegas Season Win Total: 8.5

2014 Season Win Total Prediction: 'Over'

The Ravens suffered a serious Super Bowl hangover in 2013, failing to top .500 for the first time in five years after winning the 2012-13 championship. But with Ozzie Newsome restocking the shelves the Ravens remain one of the most well run and most talented organizations in all of football.

Offseason drama has surrounded the Ravens, however, particularly in regard to star running back Ray Rice. The former Pro Bowler beat his wife senseless (allegedly) in Atlantic City and could be subject to a suspension for violating the league's player conduct policy. Several other Ravens have had run-ins with the law and coach John Harbaugh looks like he is losing control of his locker room.

But, again, leave it to Newsome to smooth over the rough patches. Baltimore added Steve Smith to the passing game and added veteran center Jeremy Zuttah to stabilize the offensive line. If Rice is out for an extended period backup Bernard Pierce looks like a capable substitute and the defense, which has fallen outside the Top 10 in points allowed just three times in 11 years should be stout once again.

The Ravens have posted a winning record in eight of the last 11 seasons and last year was the first time in four attempts that Baltimore failed to meet or exceed its Las Vegas
Season Win Total Odds. But I predicted that the Ravens would fall apart without Ray Lewis and Ed Reed holding the locker room together and I was right for at least one season. But the track record of success in Charm City is tough to ignore.

The Ravens actually overachieved in 2013 and were outscored by 32 points on the season. Yet unless the Browns and Steelers make a major leap forward it looks as if Baltimore will notch at least four wins from within the division. They also get to crossover against the feeble AFC South where they will pick up at least two, and likely three, more wins. If they can split with the NFC South opponents, which I think they will do, then Baltimore only needs to find a win against San Diego (which has to travel to M&T Bank Stadium for an early start) or at Miami.

Even though I don't believe this is one of the better Ravens teams we've seen the past few seasons I think their schedule assures them a great opportunity to win nine games and once again they should beat their season win number.

Ravens Regular Season Schedule (All times Eastern)

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 7, Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Week 2: Thursday, Sept. 11, Pittsburgh, 8:25 p.m.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 21, at Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 28, Carolina, 1 p.m.

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 5, at Indianapolis, 1 p.m.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 12, at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 19, Atlanta, 1 p.m.

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 26, at Cincinnati, 1 p.m.

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 2, at Pittsburgh, 8:30 p.m.

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 9, Tennessee, 1 p.m.

Week 11: BYE

Week 12: Monday, Nov. 24, at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m.

Week 13: Sunday, Nov. 30, San Diego, 1 p.m.

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 7, at Miami, 1 p.m.

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 14, Jacksonville, 1 p.m.

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 21, at Houston, 1 p.m.

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 28, Cleveland, 1 p.m.

Robert will be releasing his 2014 NFL Futures Predictions on Thursday, Aug. 14. Last year's top two picks (8-Unit Play on Arizona 'over' 5.5 wins and 6-Unit Play on Kansas City over 7.0 wins) both won easily and he has hit his top NFL Futures Play (rated 7.0 or higher) in four straight seasons. For more information visit his Insider's Page HERE.

Robert Ferringo is one of the best NFL handicappers in the world and is coming off one of the best football betting seasons in the 43-year history of Doc's Sports. Robert banked nearly $8,000 in profit for his football clients and won a stunning 62.1 percent of his NFL plays (95-58). Robert has won over 70 percent of his last 58 NFL side plays (41-17) and has posted six of seven winning NFL seasons. He has banked $17,400 in football profit, college and pro, over the last 20 months and he is excited about building on his staggering resume. Take advantage of our free, no-strings-attached $60 credit to use toward a purchase of Robert's football selections. You cannot afford to miss out on this great offer - click here.

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