Baltimore Ravens
No team had a more surprising run in 2019 than the Baltimore Ravens. The season began with a blimps-worth of chatter surrounding quarterback Lamar Jackson. But the second-year talent out of Louisville proved that he’s more than just a runner—although…his running ability is uncanny. Mark Ingram helped carry the load in the backfield, and Gus Edwards has done well filling in while Ingram’s been injured. The offensive line is top-tier, and almost makes what Lamar and the offense can do to defenses illegal. They finished the year 14-2—I don’t have all my scientific readouts, but I think it’s the first running back to lead a team at quarterback and take the AFC’s No. 1 overall seed.
2020 Resolution: “Rush” to judgment. The Ravens have a solid run defense, but disrupting the passing game hasn’t been as strong as normally expected. Finding a few pass-rushers will help alleviate some of the lagging, and will undoubtedly come in handy in 2020—especially against the Cowboys, Eagles, Patriots, and Chiefs.