Bit by bit, it looks like the Baltimore Ravens are getting it together. Starting firmly behind the eighth ball, a 1-5 record going into the bye week with an atrociously bad defense seemed like the end of the run for the franchise as the cream of the crop in the AFC North.
With Lamar Jackson out for four weeks, those problems were only compounded, especially as he missed the game against the Chicago Bears. However, a masterclass from Tyler Huntley was able to get them to win and set up a rout of the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football upon the two-time MVP’s return. But where do the two consecutive victories land them in the playoff race?
What Are the Baltimore Ravens’ Playoff Chances?
According to PFSN’s Playoff Predictor, the Ravens entered Week 9 with a 21.40% chance of making the playoffs. However, after demolishing Miami to the tune of 28-6, those chances have taken a significant jump to 34.60%, which is the second-highest among all teams in the AFC North.
The biggest reason for their turnaround, of course, has to be credited to Jackson. Returning with a four-touchdown performance, he threw for 204 yards while completing 18 of his 23 passing attempts for a passer rating of 143.2.
The hamstring injury that had kept him out of action didn’t play a huge factor in the proceedings, although the typically lethal running attack from last year’s All-Pro selection was virtually nonexistent, as he added 14 yards on five carries.
A major reason for fans to be optimistic about the team, though, had to be the defense. Ranked dead last in the league at one point during the year, the turnaround for Baltimore had come slowly but surely.
After holding two lethal offenses in the Los Angeles Rams and the Bears to 17 or fewer points in back-to-back weeks, it seemed like the unit was starting to find its rhythm once again.
However, against the Dolphins, they may have had their best outing of the season, as they limited Miami to just six points while forcing three turnovers on them. Ultimately, the Dolphins did move the ball pretty freely, tallying close to 350 total yards gained on offense.
Clearly, the defense isn’t a finished product yet. But, it has come a long way in the last four weeks, and with the team getting healthier by the game, there is a possibility that the culture for the Ravens takes them back near the top-10 in the league.
