NFL power rankings: Post-preseason 32-team breakdown before Week 1

NFL power rankings: 32-team post-preseason breakdown ahead of Week 1

PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 13: Quarterbacks Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons and Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles meet after their game at Lincoln Financial Field on November 13, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Eagles defeated the Falcons 24-15. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /

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BALTIMORE, MD – AUGUST 09: Quarterback Joe Flacco #5 of the Baltimore Ravens takes a snap against the Los Angeles Rams in the first half during a preseason game at M&T Bank Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

26. . . Previous: . Baltimore Ravens. 18. team

If we’re bullish on the Giants, we’re bearish on the Ravens heading towards Week 1.

OK, sure. the Ravens move up a spot in our NFL power rankings. But that has more to do with the looming questions other teams are facing than anything Baltimore has done this preseason.

True, the Ravens upgraded some serious positions of need this past offseason, namely wide receiver, after grabbing Michael Crabtree and John Brown. Both should help veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, who is going to be under a microscope with a talented rookie, Lamar Jackson, looking over his shoulder.

Baltimore’s defense, while aging, should be good enough to keep head coach John Harbaugh’s squad in contention for most of the first half of 2018. And any offensive output is only a bonus.

So it’s too early to write off the Ravens as a complete bust. But it wouldn’t be smart to project this squad on the upswing either.

Look for them to fall some more during the regular season unless Flacco has a resurgence.