The Baltimore Ravens occupy an uncomfortable position that few NFL franchises have ever escaped from. Starting 2-5, they’re trying to join an exclusive club—just four teams since 1933 have made the playoffs after beginning 1-5 or worse. With Lamar Jackson potentially returning and a recent victory over Chicago providing some hope, Baltimore believes they can write their own comeback story.
When Everything Falls Apart
That October afternoon against Houston was brutal. A 44-10 shellacking left Ravens fans streaming toward the exits, some hollering for John Harbaugh’s job. The weight of expectations—this was supposed to be Baltimore’s year—suddenly felt crushing.
Harbaugh, weathering the storm with his characteristic calm, talked about finding strength when things look their darkest. His team had hit rock bottom, but rock bottom can be a surprisingly solid foundation.
What’s fascinating is that despite the ugly start, ESPN Analytics still gives Baltimore a 43.2% chance to win the AFC North. That Bears victory—a convincing 30-16 win with Tyler Huntley stepping up admirably for the injured Jackson—showed glimpses of what this roster can accomplish when things click.
The Perfect Storm of Opportunity
Three elements are converging that could salvage Baltimore’s season. First, Jackson’s hamstring is healing, and his return could happen sooner than expected. Second, the injury bug that decimated their roster early on is finally releasing its grip. Third, and perhaps most crucially, their schedule softens dramatically.
ESPN’s strength-of-schedule metrics paint an encouraging picture: Baltimore’s remaining games rank as the 24th toughest in the league. Compare that to their opening slate, which was the second most difficult. Sometimes timing is everything in football.
Safety Kyle Hamilton captures the locker room sentiment perfectly: \”We still feel like we’re talented enough to make the playoffs and create something special.\” That confidence isn’t misplaced when you consider the talent on this roster.
Ron Rivera, who guided Washington through a similar resurrection in 2020, sees parallels. \”They’ve got veteran experience and pride—if momentum builds, they can be very dangerous,\” he observed.
The Jackson Effect
Numbers don’t lie about Lamar Jackson’s impact. The Ravens are 74-32 with him under center, a stark contrast to their sub-.300 winning percentage without him. Before the hamstring injury sidelined him, Jackson was operating at an elite level—leading the NFL with a 130.5 passer rating while throwing 10 touchdowns against just one pick.
His teammates speak about Jackson with genuine reverence. They see something electric when he’s on the field, a spark that transforms the entire offense’s rhythm and confidence.
\”Every game from here feels like a win-or-go-home situation,\” Jackson said, acknowledging the pressure while embracing it. That mindset—treating each week like a playoff game—might be exactly what Baltimore needs.
Learning from the Few Who’ve Done It
The math is sobering: since 1933, only four NFL teams have reached the playoffs after starting 1-5 or worse. But each of those teams offers a blueprint for what’s possible.
The 2018 Indianapolis Colts provide the most compelling parallel. They battled through injuries early, then caught fire with Andrew Luck healthy, winning nine of their final ten games. The 2020 Washington Football Team’s turnaround came when Alex Smith returned from his devastating injury, providing leadership that energized everyone around him.
The 1970 Cincinnati Bengals and 2015 Kansas City Chiefs round out this exclusive group. What they all shared was finding their identity at precisely the right moment—something Baltimore believes is happening now.
Getting Healthy at the Right Time
That Houston loss wasn’t just demoralizing; it was costly. Key players dropped like dominoes, leaving Baltimore’s depth chart looking like a medical report. But health is returning when they need it most.
Barring defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike, who’s done for the year, Baltimore expects to have all their starters back. This is the roster that dominated the AFC North last season, and linebacker Roquan Smith says the team feels \”rejuvenated\” as familiar faces return to practice.
That sense of renewal is palpable. Players who’ve been grinding through injuries or watching from the sidelines are ready to contribute again.
Harbaugh’s Measured Optimism
John Harbaugh won’t put a specific number on how many wins they need—that’s not his style. But the math suggests around 10 victories should secure a playoff spot, meaning Baltimore needs eight wins from their final ten games.
With their favorable schedule and improving health, that target feels achievable rather than fantastical. The contrast between their early schedule (ranked second toughest) and what lies ahead (24th toughest) could be the difference between disappointment and January football.
Rally Around the Doubt
Those fans calling for Harbaugh’s job during the Houston debacle? His players haven’t forgotten, but they’ve channeled that frustration into fuel. The head coach’s communication and steady presence during the storm have earned respect in the locker room.
Baltimore’s adopted a new rallying cry: \”New season, new us.\” They acknowledge the 2-5 start while refusing to let it define their season. With 10 games remaining and everything still possible, they’re betting on themselves to join that exclusive club of teams who’ve turned disaster into triumph.
The odds say it won’t happen. History suggests they’ll fall short. But sometimes the most compelling stories begin with the longest odds.
