Madden 22: Our 2021 NFL season sim results in some wild predictions

Baltimore Ravens

12-5, 1st place in AFC North (No. 2 seed in AFC)

Is there a team more unlucky than the Baltimore Ravens right now? The season hasn’t even begun and already they’ve suffered major losses to injury, including J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards and Marcus Peters, all of who are expected to miss the season. Those players aren’t easily replaceable.

Because the injury to Edwards came after the most recent roster update, the simulation actually started him at halfback for the Ravens. In reality, it will be Le’Veon Bell and Latavius Murray splitting duties.

But really, this team flows through Lamar Jackson. Entering his fourth season in the NFL, Jackson is looking to take the next step in the playoffs and hopefully reach the playoffs. A 1st place finish in the AFC North is a good start.

On the year, Jackson is projected to throw for 3,845 yards and 30 touchdowns. His 19 interceptions are a bit concerning.

While Jackson has proved he’s a capable passer, we know his biggest threat is his legs. While I’ve complained that Madden doesn’t do a great job handling dual-threat quarterbacks, the game actually predicted him to rush for 716 yards and nine touchdowns on the season.

For those curious as to how Gus Edwards would’ve performed if healthy, Madden predicts 1,067 rushing yards and 11 touchdowns. So the simulation may be a bit misleading because of this, but I think the Ravens have a good shot at finishing atop the division despite injuries.

With an 11-6 record, the Ravens claim the No. 2 seed in the AFC, behind the Kansas City Chiefs. We are primed for a big showdown in the playoffs.