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Baltimore Ravens Defense 2025 NFL Redraft Outlook: Top-5 Fantasy Defense?
- Jan 11, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike (92) celebrates with linebacker Kyle Van Noy (53) and linebacker Odafe Oweh (99) after a tackle against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

The Baltimore Ravens’ defense in 2024 was a tale of two halves, as they struggled in the first half of the year but turned it around in the second half. We’re talking about a defense that had fantasy managers ready to drop them, only to become the fifth-highest scoring unit from Week 8 onward.

Here’s where it gets wild, and why my pulse still races thinking about it. The Ravens started 2024 looking like they couldn’t stop a nosebleed in a paper mill. Fantasy managers were screaming at their phones, desperately scouring the waiver wire for literally any other option.

But then something magical happened around Week 8. Suddenly, this same unit that had us all pulling our hair out was putting up double-digit fantasy points with the consistency of a top unit.

Baltimore Ravens 2024 Stats and Fantasy Production

Aug 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Aeneas Peebles (93) celebrates after batting down a pass at the line of scrimmage against the Indianapolis Colts during the third quarter at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images

The numbers tell a story that’ll make you believe in second chances. Baltimore finished 6th in DVOA and passes defended; that’s elite territory, folks. They were tied for second in the entire NFL in sacks, which is fantasy gold when you’re hunting for those sweet, sweet defensive points.

But here’s what really gets under my skin about this Ravens defense and why I’m both excited and terrified heading into 2025. They ranked a pathetic 29th in opponent fumble recoveries. Twenty-ninth! That’s the kind of stat that makes you wonder if they’re cursed or just unlucky.

Even more infuriating? They dropped the second-most interceptions in the league. Picture this: you’re watching RedZone, your Ravens defense is on the field, the opposing quarterback throws a perfect pass right into the hands of a Baltimore defender, and… it hits the turf. This directly contributed to their 27th ranking in defensive takeaways, which is absolutely mind-boggling for a unit with this much talent.

The secondary has me particularly intrigued. If Nate Wiggins takes that sophomore leap we all love to see (and historically, corners often do), and if Jaire Alexander can stay on the field, we could be looking at a top-five secondary. That’s the kind of unit that doesn’t just win games, it wins fantasy weeks.

Now, let’s talk about that Week 1 matchup against Buffalo on the road. Buffalo was the 32nd-ranked matchup for opposing defenses in 2024, which means fantasy points were harder to come by than a reasonable take on social media.

But here’s the thing that has me cautiously optimistic: shootout environments can be goldmines for defensive fantasy points.

Desperate teams throw more, creating opportunities for sacks, interceptions, and even pick-sixes. Sometimes the chaos works in your favor.

Baltimore Ravens Defense 2025 Fantasy Outlook

Here’s the sobering reality that keeps me grounded: Baltimore had the healthiest defense in the NFL last season. Lightning rarely strikes twice in the same place, and injury luck has a way of evening out over time. This defense won’t benefit from the same clean bill of health two years running; that’s just not how the NFL works.

The smart money says they’ll face more adversity in 2025, which could impact their floor significantly. When you’re drafting in the middle rounds for a defense, consistency matters more than ceiling games.

Sitting at DST11 in fantasy points per game with an ECR ranking of #173, Baltimore represents a fascinating middle-ground option. They’re not the sexy pick, but they’re not the desperate flyer either. With an ADP of #189, you’re getting a defense with legitimate upside at a reasonable cost.

My gut tells me this Ravens defense is positioned for a bounce-back season that could surprise a lot of people. The talent is undeniable, the coaching is solid, and sometimes in fantasy football, that’s enough to ride the wave to victory.

This article first appeared on Total Apex Fantasy Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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