Playoff Hopes Dim Slightly for the Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens entered the 2025 season as favorites to win the AFC North, but a series of late-season setbacks has cast a shadow over their playoff aspirations. After a promising 6-2 start, the Ravens have dropped four of their last five games, including critical divisional losses to the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. While they still hold a mathematical chance to secure a wildcard spot or even the division title, the path forward has grown significantly narrower. Playoff Hopes Dim Slightly for the Baltimore Ravens examines the key factors eroding their postseason chances, from on-field inconsistencies to a brutal remaining schedule, and why optimism has been replaced by cautious realism in Baltimore.

Playoff Hopes Dim Slightly for the Baltimore Ravens begins with the Ravens’ recent on-field collapse, which has exposed longstanding flaws in both offense and defense. The once-potent rushing attack—led by J.K. Dobbins and Lamar Jackson—has sputtered, averaging just 98 yards per game over the last five contests (down from 145 yards per game in the first eight weeks). This drop-off is partly due to an offensive line that has struggled to create gaps, but also to predictable playcalling that opposing defenses have exploited. Defensively, the Ravens have allowed 28 or more points in three of their last four games, with the secondary giving up big plays in critical moments—most notably a 45-yard touchdown pass from Joe Burrow to Ja’Marr Chase in the Ravens’ Week 16 loss to the Bengals. “We’re not executing on either side of the ball,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh admitted after the loss. “We’re making too many mistakes, and in the NFL, you can’t win when you turn the ball over and give up big plays.” The Ravens’ turnover margin has also plummeted, going from +7 in the first eight weeks to -5 in the last five, a statistic that correlates strongly with playoff success.

Playoff Hopes Dim Slightly for the Baltimore Ravens delves into the Ravens’ remaining schedule, which ranks as one of the toughest in the NFL down the stretch. After Week 17’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers (a team fighting to avoid last place in the AFC North), the Ravens face the Kansas City Chiefs (11-2, the AFC’s top seed) and the San Francisco 49ers (10-3, a Super Bowl contender) in their final two games. These matchups are not just difficult—they’re against teams that have already clinched playoff spots and will likely play their starters to stay sharp. By contrast, divisional rivals like the Bengals (9-4) have a much easier finish, with games against the Houston Texans (5-8) and Arizona Cardinals (4-9). “Our schedule is a nightmare,” said Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. “We have to play two of the best teams in the league back-to-back, while the Bengals get to pad their record against teams that are out of contention. It’s not fair, but it’s the hand we’ve been dealt.” The Ravens’ remaining opponents have a combined winning percentage of .714, the highest among all AFC playoff hopefuls.

Playoff Hopes Dim Slightly for the Baltimore Ravens examines the impact of key injuries, which have depleted the Baltimore Ravens’ depth at critical positions. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., who was having a career resurgence with 650 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns, suffered a season-ending ankle injury in Week 15 against the Browns. His absence leaves Jackson with few reliable targets outside of tight end Mark Andrews, as Zay Flowers has struggled with drops (7 this season) and Rashod Bateman has yet to return to form after a knee injury. On defense, cornerback Marcus Peters (a key starter in the secondary) is questionable for the remainder of the season with a hamstring strain, and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike (who leads the team with 8 sacks) is playing through a shoulder injury that has limited his effectiveness. “Injuries are part of the game, but losing OBJ and potentially Marcus is a huge blow,” said Ravens GM Eric DeCosta. “We don’t have the depth to replace players of that caliber, especially this late in the season.” For the Baltimore Ravens, these injuries have turned a competitive team into one that’s struggling to keep up with the NFL’s elite.

Playoff Hopes Dim Slightly for the Baltimore Ravens explores the crowded AFC wildcard race, which has left the Baltimore Ravens fighting for their playoff lives. Entering Week 17, the Ravens sit at 7-7, tied with the Miami Dolphins (7-7) and Jacksonville Jaguars (7-7) for the final two wildcard spots. The problem? The Ravens hold the tiebreaker over neither team—they lost to the Dolphins in Week 6 and the Jaguars in Week 14. Additionally, the Buffalo Bills (8-6) and New England Patriots (8-6) are just one game ahead, and both have easier remaining schedules. The Ravens’ only path to the playoffs now requires them to win at least two of their final three games, while hoping for losses from the Dolphins, Jaguars, Bills, or Patriots. “The wildcard race is a dogfight, and we’re on the outside looking in,” said Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith. “We need to win out and get some help, which is a tall order. But we’re not giving up yet.” For the Baltimore Ravens, the math is simple: any loss in their final three games will likely end their playoff hopes, while a win against the Chiefs or 49ers would be a monumental upset.

Playoff Hopes Dim Slightly for the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with the psychological impact of their late-season slump, which has shaken the team’s confidence. After starting the season with high expectations, the Ravens have struggled to handle adversity, with players admitting that frustration has crept into the locker room. “We started so strong, and now we’re fighting to stay alive,” Jackson said. “It’s hard not to get discouraged, but we have to stay focused on the next game.” The Ravens’ recent losses have also exposed a lack of clutch performance—they’re 1-4 in games decided by seven points or less this season, a statistic that suggests they’re not built to win tight playoff-style matchups. While the Ravens still have a chance to turn things around, the odds are stacked against them. “Playoff hopes are still alive, but they’re fading fast,” said NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin. “The Ravens need a miracle—a few wins against top teams and some favorable outcomes around the league. It’s possible, but it’s not probable.” For the Baltimore Ravens, the remainder of the 2025 season will be a test of resilience—a chance to prove that they’re still a playoff-caliber team, or a confirmation that their early-season success was a fluke. Either way, the next few weeks will define their season, and their future as a contender in the AFC.