I don’t think so, but they are currently one of the top five best teams in the league.
That isn’t just how I feel. Any outlet you can find that compiles NFL Power Rankings has the Baltimore Ravens as a top challenger to the undefeated Chiefs. Who until further notice ARE the best team in the American Conference and maybe the entire league.
As we head into Week Six fans of the purple and black must be pleased with where the team sits after navigating a tough stretch to the start the season. Currently 3-2 as they stand atop the AFC North tied with the hated Steelers.
NFL.com has the Ravens at Number Five with these comments – “That’s three straight wins after the 0-2 start, although two of them were far from easy. At Dallas in Week 3, the Ravens nearly coughed up a big lead. At Cincinnati on Sunday, they had to climb out of three double-digit deficits in the second half. But there were signs of “the old Ravens” in each contest, as the run game has flourished, and Lamar Jackson has regained his killer instinct. You might kindly say that Baltimore’s defense has been opportunistic, although there’s clearly a lot that can be cleaned up there. Don’t overlook Justin Tucker’s big kicks on Sunday, though. He’d been a near liability early in the season, but came through with clutch kicks at crunch time, including a 56-yarder to tie it late in regulation that turned back the clock. Tucker had been 1-for-7 from 50-plus yards since the start of last season. If he’s truly back, the Ravens’ old formula remains hard to beat.” — Eric Edholm
The Athletic has Baltimore at Number Three – “Lamar Jackson passed for 348 yards and four touchdowns, rushed for 55 and led Baltimore to scores on five of its six drives after halftime Sunday. After going 38th in the average fantasy draft this season, he is the top player in the league in points per game (24.9). Jackson has accounted for 11 touchdowns and has thrown only one interception this season. And remember Derrick Henry? Shame on anyone who forgot. Henry is averaging a league-high 114.4 rushing yards per game and is seventh in the league in fantasy scoring (22.02 ppg) after being drafted 18th.” — Josh Kendall
The Ringer had the Ravens the highest of any media outlet at Number Two – “When Jackson is in this kind of zone, there’s nothing defenses can do about it. Cincinnati tried blitzing, mixing up pre-snap looks, and changing matchups in coverage; Jackson still finished with more than 400 yards of offense and four touchdowns. In a league full of physical outliers, no player feels more one of a kind than Jackson. Defensively, Baltimore’s pass defense hasn’t looked this rough to open a season since 2021. First-time play caller Zach Orr still gets the benefit of the doubt from me considering the quality of the quarterbacks he’s seen (Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow) and how well this team played on the back end against Buffalo last week. Still, for all of Baltimore’s versatility and depth, this team has no answers for dynamic receivers on the outside.” — Diante Lee
The positive thread in any discussion of the Baltimore Ravens is the offensive tandem of Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry. Jackson is having another MVP caliber season. His decision making and ball security, which have plagued him at times over his career has been the best it’s ever been this season. His recognition of defenses is at an elite level currently and he’s making opponents pay with his legs or an incredibly efficient arm in the pass game.
Henry has been as good as advertised and shows no signs of slowing down. He’s averaging almost 115 yards per game rushing, which leads the league. Justice Hill has been a great change of pace back to spell Henry and has been effective in the screen game that’s really taken off in Year Two of Todd Monken’s offense. And of course fans are ready for the return of game changer Keaton Mitchell who should be available some time next month.
The Ravens have always been able to run the ball and that hasn’t changed but the passing attack feels different this season. Jackson is spreading the ball around to a host of receivers and that bodes well in terms of unpredictability. Zay Flowers leads the way in targets with 39 while Rashoud Bateman, Isaiah Likely, and Hill are next with 22, 21, 20 respectively.
Mark Andrews used to be the go-to guy in season’s past but with his snaps down this year as he returned from a hip injury his lack of production doesn’t feel like an issue as others have filled the void.
Defense is a possible concern though, especially the secondary. The Ravens may have won in Overtime on the road last week but they gave up five touchdown passes to Joe Burrow and company. The defense is ranked 31st in the league and has given up more than 100 yards receiving to three different pass catchers. Some of the issues are performance related but some are also related to communication.
It was interesting that the Ravens hired a familiar face in Dean Pees to come back into the fold as a consultant. While it’s still unclear what his role will be on game day I do wonder how confident the top brass is in Orr at this point. Former DC Mike MacDonald had early struggles as well before he found his rhythm and did not need outside help.
The Ravens have given up too many big plays and things won’t get easier as they welcome the surprising Washington Commanders this Sunday. They are led by rookie sensation Jayden Daniels and at 4-1 sit in first place in the NFC East. They have a dynamic offense which has averaged 38 points in the past three games. So Orr’s job will be no easier as they attempt to right things.
This game could be another shoot out like last week but it’s hard to pick against the Ravens at home and they should be able to a turnover when it matters most and pull out a win 27-24 which would be their fourth consecutive win.
But what do you think about the current state of the team and their chances this week against Washington?
Make sure to leave your thoughts on the message board.
As always Happy Football everyone and Go Ravens!
Matt has lived in Maryland his entire life and is a graduate of Calvert Hall and Towson University. has always been an avid Baltimore sports fan. Since 2007, he has been writing and talking about Baltimore sports, especially the Ravens. His work has appeared on Ravens Gab, Russell Street Report, and he currently co-hosts a podcast “The Blitz- A Ravens podcast” with Brent Harris.