The Baltimore Ravens have spent this season confounding NFL analysts, fluctuating between brilliance and frustration. At 5-5, they sit on the fence between contender and pretender, flashing potential but struggling with consistency in a competitive AFC race.
In recent weeks, Baltimore has shown resilience, stringing together wins to climb back into playoff contention. After early-season turmoil, injuries to key players including Lamar Jackson and several defensive stars left the team scrambling for stability. Now healthier and appearing more balanced, Baltimore is rebuilding momentum at the perfect time. The challenge, however, lies in maintaining that rhythm through the season’s final stretch.
Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, ESPN
Oct 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) looks on against the Miami Dolphins in the first quarter at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Experts remain split on whether this version of the Lamar Jackson-led team can truly contend. Their defense continues to carry the load, bailing out an offense that has yet to click at a championship level. The passing game remains inconsistent, and red-zone inefficiency has cost valuable points in close contests. Even so, their experience and leadership make them a dangerous matchup when the stakes are high.
With several divisional games remaining, Baltimore has a clear path forward. Analysts point out that sweeping matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals would give Baltimore a serious edge in securing another AFC North title. The schedule also offers winnable contests beyond the division, making a 10-win season, and a playoff berth, within reach if they capitalize on opportunities.
NFL Analysis Explains Why Baltimore Ravens Are Contenders
Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, ESPN
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) drops back to pass during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Although Baltimore started out the season slow, the Lamar Jackson-led team have fought their way to become contenders. This is detailed more in an analysis by Brad Gagnon for Bleacher Report.
Case for Contender: Injuries destroyed the first quarter or so of their season, but the Ravens haven’t lost in over a month and should be heavily favored in each of their next four games. The path to a third straight division title is clear.
Verdict: Contender* (note the asterisk). This remains a team with a ceiling short of the Super Bowl, especially because Jackson and the offense remain out of sync. They’ve been bailed out by the defense and will likely be in trouble against Buffalo or Denver in a January road game.
Yet skepticism persists that their ceiling remains short of a Super Bowl run. The offense’s unpredictability, paired with the likelihood of facing elite teams such as Buffalo or Denver on the road, could expose lingering flaws when the games matter most. Their fate may depend on whether Jackson and the offense can finally sync down the stretch.
Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, NFL
Nov 9, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) warms up before the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Ravens are a mix of risk and potential, capable of both dominance and collapse. If they can sustain health and consistency, they have every reason to believe they belong in the contender conversation, but anything less, and they will once again fall short of the league’s highest stage.
Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson, NFL
Sep 28, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws a pass during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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