Post-Season Projections Vary for the Baltimore Ravens

As the Baltimore Ravens clinched a wild-card spot in the AFC, the football world has been split on their post-season potential. Some analysts see them as dark horses capable of a deep playoff run, pointing to their late-season surge and balanced offense. Others are more cautious, highlighting their inconsistent divisional record and defensive lapses in high-pressure moments. This divide in projections isn’t just about stats—it reflects differing views on how the Ravens’ strengths (like Derrick Henry’s running and Lamar Jackson’s playmaking) will hold up against the AFC’s elite, and whether their weaknesses (like red-zone inefficiency) will prove fatal. Post-Season Projections Vary for the Baltimore Ravens explores the range of forecasts, the factors driving each perspective, and why the Ravens’ playoff fate remains one of the most intriguing storylines in this year’s NFL post-season.

The most optimistic projections for the Ravens center on their late-season momentum and improved offensive balance. After a rocky start, the Ravens won five of their last six regular-season games, with their offense averaging 28 points per game during that stretch—up from 22 points per game in the first half of the season. Analysts who back a deep run note that this surge coincided with offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s shift to a run-heavy approach, leveraging Henry’s 1,200-yard season and Rasheen Ali’s emerging playmaking. “When the Ravens commit to the run, they control the clock and keep their defense fresh—and that’s a recipe for playoff success,” says ESPN NFL analyst Louis Riddick. These optimists also point to the Ravens’ defense, which has tightened up in recent weeks: since Week 15, the defense has allowed just 18 points per game and forced seven turnovers. A potential first-round matchup against a team like the Houston Texans or Indianapolis Colts—both of which struggle against physical running games—has led some to predict the Ravens could win two or three playoff games. Post-Season Projections Vary for the Baltimore Ravens emphasizes that this optimism isn’t unfounded; it’s rooted in the Ravens’ ability to fix key issues and play their best football when it matters most.

On the flip side, more cautious projections highlight the Ravens’ struggles against top-tier competition and their divisional inconsistencies. During the regular season, the Ravens went 1-4 against fellow AFC North teams (the Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers)—a red flag for analysts who believe playoff success often depends on beating tough, familiar opponents. They also note that the Ravens’ offense still struggles in the red zone, converting just 38% of trips into touchdowns in losses—a number that could doom them against defenses like the Kansas City Chiefs or Buffalo Bills, which excel at stopping teams in tight spaces. “The Ravens have talent, but they haven’t proven they can win against the AFC’s best,” says NFL Network analyst Cynthia Frelund, who projects the Ravens to lose in the first round. “Their red-zone issues and tendency to commit costly penalties (they rank 11th in the NFL in penalty yards) will be exposed by playoff-caliber defenses.” These cautious projections also question the Ravens’ defense against elite quarterbacks: in games against Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow this season, the Ravens allowed an average of 30 points per game. Post-Season Projections Vary for the Baltimore Ravens underscores that these concerns aren’t just nitpicking—they’re based on the Ravens’ inability to perform against the teams they’d likely face in later playoff rounds.

A key variable in the Baltimore Ravens’ post-season projections is their injury health—a factor that has swung wildly for them this season. The Ravens enter the playoffs relatively healthy, with only a few minor injuries to role players, but their depth will be tested if key starters like Jeffery Simmons (defensive tackle) or Mark Andrews (tight end) get hurt. Optimistic analysts note that the Ravens’ depth at running back (Henry, Ali, and Gus Edwards) and wide receiver (Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr.) means they can absorb some injuries. But cautious projections warn that the Ravens’ offensive line—already thin after a mid-season injury to left tackle Ronnie Stanley—could be a liability if they face a pass rush like the Chiefs’ or the Browns’. “The offensive line is the Ravens’ Achilles’ heel,” says former NFL lineman Brian Baldinger. “If they can’t protect Lamar Jackson against a good pass rush, their season will end quickly.” For the Baltimore Ravens, staying healthy will be critical to bridging the gap between optimistic and cautious projections. A clean bill of health could let them lean into their strengths, while injuries to key players could turn a potential deep run into a short one. Post-Season Projections Vary for the Baltimore Ravens shows that the Baltimore Ravens’ injury luck will be a deciding factor in which set of projections ultimately proves correct.

Another factor shaping projections for the Baltimore Ravens is their playoff experience—or lack thereof—among key players. While veterans like Henry (who reached the Super Bowl with the Tennessee Titans) and Simmons (a former Pro Bowler) have playoff experience, many of the Ravens’ young core players—including Ali, Flowers, and rookie cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis—have never played in a playoff game. Optimistic analysts argue that Jackson, a former MVP, will lead this young group, pointing to his 3-3 career playoff record and ability to elevate his play in big moments. “Lamar has been here before, and he knows how to handle the pressure,” says Ravens legend Ray Lewis, who predicts the Ravens will reach the AFC Championship Game. But cautious projections note that playoff inexperience can lead to costly mistakes—like the turnovers and penalties that plagued the Ravens in their regular-season losses. “Playoff football is faster and more physical, and young players often struggle to adjust,” says Frelund. For the Baltimore Ravens, how their young players perform in their first playoff action will be a major determinant of their success. If they rise to the occasion, the Ravens could exceed expectations; if they falter, the cautious projections will likely hold. Post-Season Projections Vary for the Baltimore Ravens underscores that the Baltimore Ravens’ mix of veteran leadership and young talent is a double-edged sword—one that could either fuel a run or lead to disappointment.

Finally, the Baltimore Ravens’ own mindset will play a role in which projections come true. Head coach John Harbaugh has emphasized that the team is treating the playoffs as a “fresh start,” downplaying both the optimistic hype and the cautious doubts. “We know what we’re capable of, and we know where we need to improve,” Harbaugh said in a post-season press conference. “The regular season is over—now it’s about who wants it more.” The Ravens have spent the bye week focusing on fixing their red-zone issues and refining their defensive game plan for potential opponents. Jackson has organized extra film sessions with the wide receivers, and the defensive line has practiced against the team’s scout team to prepare for different offensive schemes. For the Baltimore Ravens, this focus on improvement—rather than external projections—could be their greatest asset. “Projections don’t win games—execution does,” says Simmons. “We’re not worried about what analysts say; we’re worried about going out there and playing our best football.” Post-Season Projections Vary for the Baltimore Ravens concludes that the Baltimore Ravens have the talent and the tools to make a deep playoff run—but they also have the flaws that could end their season early. Which projection proves correct will depend on whether they can play to their strengths, fix their weaknesses, and handle the pressure of the post-season. One thing is certain: the Ravens’ playoff journey will be one of the most watched storylines in this year’s NFL post-season.