The Baltimore Ravens earned their first win in more than a month, snapping a losing streak and giving fans reason for optimism. A 30-16 victory over the Chicago Bears in Week 8 helped Baltimore improve to 2-5, and analysts across major outlets are beginning to take notice.
Ravens Finally Make Up Ground in NFL Power Rankings
While most experts agree that the Ravens’ climb out of the bottom of the rankings won’t be quick. Between early-season injuries, inconsistent quarterback play, and questions surrounding Lamar Jackson’s health, Baltimore remains a work in progress.
Jackson has missed the last three games with a hamstring injury but is expected to return Thursday night when the Ravens face the Miami Dolphins.
“Now that Lamar Jackson is back, can we ask about why Cooper Rush was there for so long in the first place?” wrote Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated, who ranked Baltimore at No. 15, up eight spots from last week. “Rush was anything but [a fit], and the frenzied Baltimore offense went stale and left Jackson quite a hole to dig out of.”
Power Rankings Analysts Split on Ravens’ Path Forward
While the Ravens are trending upward, not everyone is sold. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley ranked Baltimore at No. 22 and pointed out how the team’s roster changes have affected their identity — even on special teams.
“The Ravens took a risk by going with a sixth-round pick to replace Justin Tucker,” Hensley wrote. “Loop has exceeded expectations so far, making 12 of 13 field goals (92.3%). His only miss was from 55 yards.”
NFL.com’s Eric Edholm placed the Ravens at No. 19, highlighting the team’s favorable schedule and the impact Jackson could have upon his return. “Baltimore still has a long way to go, but Tyler Huntley has saved the season for now,” Edholm wrote. “Even with three straight on the road, it wouldn’t shock anyone to see Baltimore at 5-5 by mid-November.”
Meanwhile, Yahoo Sports’ Frank Schwab gave the Ravens their highest ranking at No. 14 but warned against assuming Jackson’s return automatically solves everything. “They won despite Lamar Jackson being out,” Schwab said. “Now Jackson allegedly will return on Thursday night with extra rest. But after the injury report shenanigans last week, let’s see Jackson back on the field before believing it.”
The Ringer’s Diante Lee shared a similar sentiment, saying the Ravens’ playoff chances hinge on consistency. “Baltimore’s defense still has some work to do,” Lee wrote. “If the Ravens are going to get back into the playoff race, they’ll need their running game to lead the way like it did on Sunday.”
Ravens Look Ahead to Dolphins Matchup
Baltimore now turns its attention to the Miami Dolphins, who enter Week 9 at 2-6 but coming off a win of their own. The Ravens’ offense — led by a returning Jackson — will be tested against a Dolphins defense that has struggled against dual-threat quarterbacks this season.
Jackson’s last full game came in Week 4, when he completed 71.6 percent of his passes and added a rushing touchdown. If he can stay healthy, the Ravens’ upcoming stretch could be favorable: four of their next five opponents have losing records.
As The Athletic’s Chad Graff and Josh Kendall summed up, “Jackson should be back this week, and Baltimore has the fourth-easiest remaining schedule in the league. Yes, this team can win the AFC North.”
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