How epic would it be for the Ravens to turn this season around and storm into the playoffs?
As the Ravens enjoy some rest and relaxation during their bye week, allowing such fantasies feels like necessary pampering after a rough 1-5 start.
The Ravens probably need to win nine of their next 11 games to ensure a playoff spot in an AFC playoff picture with plenty of parity.
It's not as far-fetched as it may seem. Here's why:
- Lamar Jackson, the best player on the planet, is expected to return against the Bears. There is no overstating Jackson's importance to this offense, which became even clearer when he was sidelined. He makes everything and everyone around him better. When Lamar plays, the Ravens always have a chance.
- Look at the Ravens' remaining schedule. Which one of those games isn't winnable? And before you say beating the Packers in Lambeau Field in late December, just remember that the Browns beat the Packers one week after losing to the Ravens by 24. It comes down to the divisional games.
- Yes, only four teams since 1970 have made the playoffs after starting 1-5. But the playoff field expanded by two teams in 2020 and the league added a 17th game in 2021. So the odds aren't quite as long as the stat indicates.
- The last team to accomplish the feat was the 2020 Washington Football Team, which got in at 7-9 in a very weak NFC East. The usually mighty AFC North is depressed this year, but it won't be that bad. Still, the Steelers (4-2) are within reach (thanks, Joe Flacco).
- The difference between the Steelers and Ravens this season has been the Steelers have won games they should lose and the Ravens have lost games they should win. The reason? Turnover differential. The Steelers are +5 and the Ravens are -7, tied with the winless New York Jets.
- The turnovers should balance out because it's mostly been the Ravens' best players who have committed them. That feels like an anomaly. Getting more takeaways is harder because the Ravens aren't getting enough pressure, which also isn't an easy fix, especially with another injury up front.
- The Ravens have to get better in several areas if they're going to go on this run. But their softer competition will also make them look better. The Ravens had a couple sacks and a fumble recovery for a touchdown against the Browns. Was this a much different team then?
- Baltimore's offense came out of the gates throwing haymakers with big plays galore in the passing game. The gripe then was that the Ravens were scoring too fast. I wonder if Baltimore commits more heavily to the ground game that shined versus the Rams from here on out.
- Was the Ravens' defensive turnaround against the high-powered Rams offense a harbinger of what's to come or a mirage? We're about to find out, but new safety Alohi Gilman isn't going anywhere. His arrival reminds me of the change that Ar'Darius Washington helped usher in during last year's defensive resurgence.
- At the end of the day, if the Ravens are healthy (or at least relatively healthy) coming out of the bye, they still have one of the NFL's best rosters and a favorable schedule. That doesn't ensure wins, but it gives Baltimore a realistic shot.
