From Super Bowl Dreams to Playoff Longshots: What Happened to the Ravens?
Remember when the Baltimore Ravens were everyone's pick to win it all? Fast forward to now, and they're clinging to a playoff hope thinner than a deflated football. With just two games left, their chances are hovering around a measly 10%. How did this happen?
It's a stunning fall for a team that entered the season as Super Bowl favorites. ESPN's Dan Orlovsky didn't mince words, calling them "the most disappointing team in the NFL this season." He's not wrong. The Ravens, boasting what many considered the most talented roster in the AFC, have stumbled through a season plagued by injuries and inconsistent play.
But here's where it gets controversial: While the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs are already packing their bags, the Ravens are still mathematically alive. Does that make Orlovsky's assessment a bit harsh? After all, they're still fighting, unlike the Chiefs.
The path to the playoffs is a narrow one. The Ravens need a Christmas miracle: a win in Green Bay, a Steelers loss in Cleveland, and then a victory in Pittsburgh to close out the season. Even then, as The Baltimore Banner's Childs Walker points out, their chances of a deep playoff run seem slim. Their record, marked by wins against weaker teams and a lack of offensive and defensive dominance, doesn't inspire confidence.
And this is the part most people miss: It's not just about this season's struggles. It's about the shift in Lamar Jackson's game. Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame argues that Jackson, approaching his 30s and battling injuries, is entering a new phase of his career. Those electrifying runs that defined his early years might be becoming a thing of the past. He'll need to rely more on his arm, which, thankfully, has developed into a potent weapon.
Jackson's passing prowess is undeniable. He's a two-time MVP with a career passer rating second only to Aaron Rodgers. But can he adapt to this new reality, where his legs aren't the cheat code they once were?
While the Ravens' season has been a disappointment, there are glimmers of hope. Their 2025 draft class has been impressive, with first-round pick Malaki Starks leading the charge. He's one of the few bright spots in a season that's been anything but.
So, what's next for the Ravens? Can they pull off the improbable and sneak into the playoffs? Can Jackson evolve into a more traditional pocket passer? The answers to these questions will shape the future of this once-dominant franchise. One thing's for sure: the Ravens' story this season is far from over, and it's a narrative that will continue to spark debate and discussion among football fans everywhere. What do you think? Can the Ravens turn things around, or is this the beginning of a new era of struggle? Let us know in the comments!
