The Baltimore Ravens’ playoff chances have taken another major hit after falling to 1–5 with a frustrating loss to the Los Angeles Rams. It marked the second consecutive game Lamar Jackson has missed due to a hamstring injury, and without their star quarterback, Baltimore once again struggled to find rhythm on offense and finish drives.
This was a team that entered the season as one of the top Super Bowl contenders and a preseason favorite among oddsmakers. Yet six weeks in, they sit near the bottom of the AFC, plagued by injuries, inconsistency, and missed opportunities. Still, despite the mounting pressure and disappointing record, the Ravens’ postseason hopes aren’t dead just yet. Here’s why this team could still claw its way back into the AFC playoff picture.
Why the Ravens Can Still Make the Playoffs in 2025
Instability in the Division
The Ravens currently trail the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC North, but both teams are far from invincible. The Steelers have gotten off to a solid start with Aaron Rodgers under center, but the veteran has already taken too many hits, something that doesn’t help at his age. The usually dominant Mike Tomlin defense has also looked more vulnerable than in previous years, no longer the guaranteed top-five unit it once was.
The Bengals’ situation is even more dire. Joe Burrow’s turf toe injury has derailed their season, leading to a loss in morale and team confidence. Trading for Joe Flacco feels more like a desperate patch than a genuine fix. Meanwhile, the Browns remain inconsistent and continue to cycle through rookie quarterbacks.
That leaves Baltimore with the best quarterback in the division, the deepest roster, and a proven coaching staff. In a division filled with instability, the Ravens have every opportunity to claw back into contention.
The AFC Is in Flux
Over the past few years, the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills have dominated the AFC conversation. But this season, parity has taken over.
The Bills’ defense looks vulnerable, the Chiefs’ run game remains suspect, and both teams appear a step below their best. The Colts and Jaguars are intriguing but inexperienced, capable of faltering under playoff pressure.
In short, there are many good teams in the AFC, but no dominant ones. The conference is wide open, giving the Ravens a legitimate path to reenter the race, especially if Lamar Jackson returns to MVP form down the stretch.
A Lighter Schedule Ahead
Despite their poor start, the Ravens had one of the toughest early-season schedules in the league — facing four potential Super Bowl contenders in the Bills, Lions, Chiefs, and Rams.
The good news? The remaining slate looks far more forgiving. After their bye week, Baltimore owns one of the top eight easiest remaining schedules by strength of schedule. With Jackson expected back healthy, they’ll likely be favored in every game except perhaps against Green Bay.
Playoff qualification is ultimately a numbers game. With a manageable schedule and renewed health, the Ravens could realistically finish with nine or ten wins, likely enough to secure a wild-card spot in a crowded but inconsistent AFC.
Squad Quality Still Matters
At their core, the Ravens remain one of the NFL’s most complete teams. A two-time MVP at quarterback, a future Hall of Fame running back, an elite defense built on culture, and a veteran coaching staff — all these pieces form the foundation of a true contender.
The NFL is a league where talent tends to win out. If Baltimore gets its playmakers back and finds its rhythm back, they can absolutely climb out of this early-season hole and reestablish itself as an AFC threat.
Conclusion
While the 2025 season hasn’t started as anyone in Baltimore hoped, the Baltimore Ravens’ playoff chances are far from dead. With a favorable schedule, a shaky division, and elite talent at key positions, the Ravens still control their destiny.
If they stay healthy and capitalize on the chaos around them, this could be the comeback story that defines their season — one where the Ravens rise from a 1–5 start to become legitimate postseason contenders once again.
Main Photo: Denny Medley-Imagn Images
The post Baltimore Ravens Playoff Chances: Why 2025 Isn’t Lost Yet appeared first on Last Word on Pro Football.