The table is set for the Ravens as they enter Thanksgiving week.

Baltimore has played its way back into playoff contention in the AFC after a 1-5 start. There isn't a clear Super Bowl favorite in the conference as we enter Week 12, and the Ravens (5-5) trail the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) by just one game in the AFC North.

The Ravens can be 7-5 by Black Friday by winning two home games in five days – Sunday against the New York Jets (2-8) and Thanksgiving night vs. the Cincinnati Bengals (5-5).

Here are my thoughts on the Ravens with seven games left in the regular season, all in 50 words or less:

• Alohi Gilman and Dre'Mont Jones make it look easy to perform well after being traded midseason. It's not. Gilman has fit like a glove starting at safety. Jones adds physicality and versatility to the front seven. Their defensive impact has been important and immediate.

• The Jets game will be Jones' home debut with the Ravens. When the outside linebacker was traded from the Tennessee Titans to the Ravens, Jones went from a team that's now 1-9 to the Ravens, who are rolling. Thanksgiving came early for Jones.

• After losing 44-10 to the Houston Texans in Week 4, Kyle Van Noy said, "We gotta get our [expletive] together." The Ravens have done that, and Van Noy has helped set the tone. At age 34, he's a savvy player and team leader who's still bringing juice to the pass rush.

• The Ravens haven't surrendered more than two touchdowns over the past five games. They've only allowed three touchdowns during their four-game winning streak. The weather is turning colder, and the Ravens' defense is turning nastier. That's a nice combination.

• Tyler Loop's three field goals in Cleveland, including a 44-yard boot in windy conditions, provided more evidence he's ready for prime time. The Ravens will need more clutch kicks from Loop. He kicked in college at Arizona but said on "The Lounge" podcast that he's fully prepared to deal with adverse conditions.

• While the defense is thriving, the Ravens want to get their offense humming like it was in September. After averaging 37 points in its first three games, Baltimore has only reached 30 points once in the last seven contests. If the Ravens hit their stride on both sides of the football, look out.

• Even during the current four-game winning streak, red-zone execution has been a problem. Baltimore has fallen to 28^th in touchdown percentage in the red zone (47.22%) after being first in 2024 (73.97%). Loop looks good kicking field goals, but the Ravens want to see more extra points.

• Lamar Jackson was hit more frequently than the Ravens wanted against the Browns. Getting sacked four times by Myles Garrett was no fun, and Jackson needs to avoid punishment. The offensive line must focus on keeping Jets edge rushers Jermaine Johnson and Will McDonald IV away from Jackson.

• DeAndre Hopkins played a season-high 42 snaps (69%) against the Browns. With Rashod Bateman (ankle) ruled out for the second straight week, Hopkins should see regular action again. He's seeking his first touchdown since Week 2 and just might get it.

• Before you dismiss the Jets' chances against Baltimore, remember they've already defeated Cincinnati and Cleveland. They almost beat Pittsburgh. Facing the AFC North obviously doesn't intimidate the Jets, and they'll be playing carefree as heavy underdogs. The Ravens would be well-served to take control early.

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