The Ravens (13-3) boast the NFL’s best record and have the AFC’s No. 1 seed locked up. However, their 1-4 record in the playoffs since 2018 doesn’t scream confidence. Here are five reasons why this year will be different for Baltimore.
Dominant defense
The Ravens defense has been one of the best units in the league, allowing the fewest points per game (16.4) and fourth-fewest total yards per game (302.1). Baltimore’s defense has always prided itself in playing at a high level and that remains true with players like DE Justin Madubuike, LB Roquan Smith and safety Kyle Hamilton dominating at each level.
The defense also leads the NFL in sacks (57) and takeaways (29). The quarterbacks the Ravens will be facing in the playoffs will be some of the league’s best, so having the ability to make them uncomfortable is necessary. They’ve proven to be able to do just that.
More experienced
QB Lamar Jackson has struggled in his playoff career, throwing for 900 yards, three touchdowns and five interceptions. But he will be making his fifth postseason start in the second round of the playoffs and seems to be on track to win his second NFL MVP.
Having more experience under his belt since his last postseason start in 2020 will pay dividends. Jackson has continued to develop his game and the rest of the league still seems to be trying to figure him out in his sixth season.
Most talented weapons yet
For much of Jackson’s career, he didn’t have enough weapons around him to be successful. In the past two years (2021-22), TE Mark Andrews led the team in receptions and yards. That is no longer the case.
Baltimore added an influx of playmakers this offseason, including first-round WR Zay Flowers and veteran wide receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor in free agency. The offense rewarded the front office by averaging the second most points per game (29.6) and fourth most total yards per game (379.5) in the league.
Offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s new offense took some time to start clicking, but it has quickly turned into one of the best in the NFL. The Ravens finally invested around Jackson, and it will pay off in the playoffs.
Depth
Baltimore’s depth has been truly tested this year and it proved to be deep at almost every position. Injuries to RB J.K. Dobbins, TE Mark Andrews, LB David Ojabo, LB Tyus Bowser, CB Marlon Humphrey and safety Kyle Hamilton forced the team to turn to its backups. They rose to the challenge, to say the least.
Ideally, the Ravens will get healthier over the next couple of weeks as they’ll likely rest their starters in Week 18 and have a first-round bye. But if the team has any other serious injuries in the postseason, they’ve shown they’ll be just fine. As long as it’s not Jackson, of course.
Getting hot at the right time
Baltimore is hitting its stride at the perfect time, winning 10 of its last 11 games. The Ravens haven’t just defeated anyone either as 10 of their 13 wins have come against teams with a winning record, the most in the NFL, according to NFL Research’s Tony Holzman-Escareno. Their last four opponents (Dolphins, 49ers, Jaguars and Rams) are all currently in the playoffs, proving they’re ready to make a run.
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