Playoff Push Intensifies for the Baltimore Ravens at Midseason

As the 2024 NFL season hits its midpoint, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves in a familiar yet high-stakes position: locked in a tight race for the AFC North title and a coveted playoff spot. With an 8-3 record through 11 games, the Ravens sit just one game ahead of the Pittsburgh Steelers in the division, and every win, loss, or even close call from here on out could shape their postseason fate. This isn’t a team coasting on past success—instead, they’re doubling down on effort, refining their strategy, and leaning on key players to navigate a challenging second-half schedule. Playoff Push Intensifies for the Baltimore Ravens at Midseason explores the factors driving their late-season surge, the obstacles they must overcome, and why this stretch could define their 2024 campaign.

Playoff Push Intensifies for the Baltimore Ravens at Midseason begins with the Ravens’ midseason momentum shift—a three-game winning streak that has reignited their playoff aspirations after a brief two-game slump in October. The turning point came in Week 9 against the Cincinnati Bengals, a 31-17 victory where quarterback Lamar Jackson threw for 285 yards and three touchdowns while adding 72 rushing yards. That win was followed by a dominant 24-7 road victory over the Indianapolis Colts (where the Ravens’ defense held the Colts to just 212 total yards) and a hard-fought 19-17 win over the Cleveland Browns, sealed by a last-second 48-yard field goal from Justin Tucker. “That two-game slump was a wake-up call,” Jackson said after the Browns win. “We realized we couldn’t take any games for granted, especially in this division. Every play matters, and we’re playing like that now.” The streak has not only boosted the Ravens’ record but also improved their standing in key tiebreakers—their win over the Colts, a common opponent with the Steelers, gives them an edge if the two teams end up tied for the division lead. Offensively, the Ravens have averaged 27 points per game during the streak, up from 21 in their first eight games, while defensively they’ve allowed just 13.7 points per game, ranking them fourth in the NFL over that span.

A critical factor in the Ravens’ playoff push is the standout performance of their star players—who have stepped up in key moments to carry the team. Beyond Jackson’s dual-threat dominance (he’s thrown for 2,400 yards and 18 touchdowns while rushing for 650 yards and four scores through 11 games), tight end Mark Andrews has emerged as a reliable target, hauling in 55 catches for 680 yards and seven touchdowns. Andrews’ ability to win in the red zone has been particularly crucial: he’s scored a touchdown in five of the Ravens’ last six games, including the game-winner against the Bengals. On defense, linebacker Roquan Smith has been a force, leading the team with 112 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions, while cornerback Marlon Humphrey has shut down some of the NFL’s top wide receivers—holding the Bengals’ Ja’Marr Chase to just three catches for 29 yards in their Week 9 matchup. “Our stars are playing like stars, and that’s what you need in a playoff push,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “But it’s not just the big names—our role players are stepping up too. Special teams, offensive line, defensive backups—everyone’s contributing, and that’s the sign of a team that can go far.”

A defining element of Playoff Push Intensifies for the Baltimore Ravens at Midseason is the Ravens’ tactical adjustments on both sides of the ball—changes designed to exploit opponents’ weaknesses and fix their own early-season flaws. On offense, Harbaugh and offensive coordinator Todd Monken have shifted to a more balanced attack, reducing Jackson’s rushing workload slightly (from 10 carries per game to 7) to keep him fresh while emphasizing the running game with Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. Edwards has responded with 580 rushing yards and six touchdowns, providing a reliable complement to Jackson’s passing. Defensively, coordinator Mike Macdonald has tweaked the Ravens’ scheme to focus more on blitzes and zone coverage, a move that has paid off: the Ravens have recorded 12 sacks in their last three games, up from just eight in their first eight games. “We’re not afraid to adapt,” Macdonald said. “If a scheme isn’t working, we’ll change it. If an opponent is exploiting a weakness, we’ll fix it. That flexibility is key in the second half of the season.” For the Baltimore Ravens, these adjustments have made them a more unpredictable and dangerous team—opponents can no longer focus solely on stopping Jackson, as the running game and defense have become equally threatening. This balance will be critical as they face tougher opponents in the second half.

Another challenge the Baltimore Ravens must navigate in their playoff push is a grueling second-half schedule—one that includes matchups against three playoff contenders and two divisional rivals. After their Week 12 bye, the Ravens face a road game against the Buffalo Bills (10-2), a home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (7-4), a road trip to the San Francisco 49ers (9-3), and a season-ending home game against the Bengals (6-5). The Bills and 49ers are both top seeds in their respective conferences, while the Steelers and Bengals will be fighting for their own playoff lives. “This schedule is going to test us,” Harbaugh acknowledged. “But if we want to be a playoff team, we have to beat playoff teams. That’s the mindset we’re taking into every game.” The Ravens have already shown they can compete with elite teams—they lost a close 27-24 game to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 3—but winning those games in the second half will require consistency. For the Baltimore Ravens, the key will be staying healthy (they’ve already lost two offensive linemen to season-ending injuries) and avoiding the kind of slump that derailed their 2023 playoff push. The bye week will give them time to rest, recover, and prepare for the Bills, a game that could be a statement win for their playoff credentials.

Wrapping up Playoff Push Intensifies for the Baltimore Ravens at Midseason is the role of fan support and team culture—elements that have galvanized the Ravens during their stretch run. M&T Bank Stadium has been a fortress for the Ravens this season, with a 5-1 home record and an average attendance of 70,500 fans—many of whom arrive hours early to tailgate and create a raucous atmosphere. That energy has translated to on-field success: the Ravens have outscored opponents by 45 points at home, compared to just 12 points on the road. “Our fans are our 12th man,” Jackson said. “When the stadium is loud, it’s hard for opponents to communicate, and it gives us a boost. We feed off that energy.” Beyond fan support, the Ravens’ team culture—built around accountability and resilience—has kept them focused during tough times. After their Week 7 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the team held a players-only meeting where veterans like Smith and Humphrey emphasized the importance of sticking together. “This team has heart,” Harbaugh said. “We don’t point fingers when things go wrong—we fix them together. That’s the kind of culture that wins in December and January.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this combination of talent, tactical adjustments, and team unity has them poised to make a deep playoff run. As the season enters its final stretch, one thing is clear: their playoff push isn’t just about making the postseason—it’s about competing for a Super Bowl. Ultimately, Playoff Push Intensifies for the Baltimore Ravens at Midseason is a story of a team hitting its stride at the right time, ready to take on whatever the NFL’s second half throws at them.