It’s nothing new for the Lamar Jackson-era Baltimore Ravens to go into the playoffs looking like they’re ready to win a Super Bowl.
Baltimore was probably the best team in the NFL at the end of the 2019 and 2023 seasons, but the Ravens fell short of the playoffs and did not reach the Super Bowl. It’s hard to argue that they are the better team this season (although DVOA is very high in Baltimore). But the Ravens are perhaps the hottest club in the NFL and have worked their way into the championship contender group.
The difference was the defense. The Ravens were the NFL’s worst pass defense entering the season, but it has dramatically amended. A strategic shift to using All-Pro Kyle Hamilton at free safety rather than near the line coincided with a big turnaround. The Ravens completely eliminated the Houston Texans with a 31-2 victory in Week 17. It was a blowout victory. The offense has been great, with Jackson having a historic season and Derrick Henry adding a missing piece. If the Ravens defense can also play at a championship level, Baltimore will be dangerous and certainly capable of winning it all. The Ravens must finally get it done when it matters most.
Here are the power rankings after Week 17 of the NFL season: