Once it became clear that the Baltimore Ravens would be without Lamar Jackson before the bye week ended, the franchise knew they must deliver a standout performance against the Chicago Bears in Week 8. Coming into the game 1-5, it was their last chance to salvage the season. But, right before the game, a shocking update confirmed that Jackson would be out another week, with Tyler Huntley starting in his place.
It immediately led many to believe that the Ravens’ hopes of remaining a legitimate threat in the AFC were close to none. Facing a team on a four-game winning streak, it was hard to find optimism for Baltimore, as they languished as the third-seed, with a tiebreaker their sole lead over the fourth-placed Cleveland Browns. But against all odds, they pulled off the miracle. Now, the only question remains: Do they have a shot at the postseason?
Baltimore Ravens Playoff Chances
Entering the game with a 1-5 record and just an 8.0% chance of making the playoffs, the pickings for John Harbaugh and Co. were slim. However, a spectacular outing from Huntley, alongside a rejuvenated rushing attack, paved the way for a dominant performance.
According to PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, it increased the Ravens’ chances to 15.50%, with the schedule significantly easing up after this game. Huntley threw for 186 yards and a touchdown, while running for 53 yards.
On the other hand, Henry finally bounced back from his slump, tallying 71 yards and two touchdowns, including the final touchdown to put the game away for good late in the fourth quarter.
For Baltimore, though, the biggest positive to take away from the game had to be the defense. In two consecutive outings (Week 6 against the Los Angeles Rams), they had held their opponents to 17 or fewer points.
A unit that ranked dead last on PFSN’s Defense Impact coming into the game, that jump was significant and gave the fans hope that they could turn things around in the second half of the season.
At 2-5, the season hasn’t been salvaged by any means. But the schedule moving forward relaxes significantly, and the AFC North remains wide open. After the Cincinnati Bengals blew a 15-point lead in the fourth quarter, they remain just one game ahead of the Ravens.
But with Joe Burrow slated to be out for the majority of the season, there is a legitimate way for the Ravens to find their way back into the playoff mix, especially with Jackson’s return looking closer than ever before.
