Dec 31, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) throws during the during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
The Baltimore Ravens are going into the playoffs with a lot of momentum. They are peaking at the right time and are ready to try and make it back to another Super Bowl. As the postseason approaches, here is the Baltimore Ravens playoff preview.
Baltimore Ravens Playoff Preview
The Ravens are the number one overall seed in the AFC. This has become a massive advantage as it is the only team to get a bye in the first round. This also means they will play all games at home and ideally get the easiest path as they get to play the lowest seed remaining. While some will claim that this means the team comes out rusty in the divisional round, the good outweighs the bad. Getting to rest players at a critical time of the year is a huge advantage. The Ravens have been banged up throughout the year and now have a chance to get everyone healthy over the next couple of weeks.
Baltimore Ravens Playoff Preview: Why They Will Win
Lamar Jackson is a heavy favorite to be the MVP of the league and has been playing fantastic. The pass-catching combination of Zay Flowers, Odell Beckham Jr., and Isaiah Likely have made this offense very dangerous. It used to be only the speed of Jackson that was the issue. Now teams have to deal with speed at the receiver position. This is on top of the already elite running game that continues to be one of the best in the league which is often key to winning in January.
On the flip side of the ball, the defense has been suffocating opponents all season. Despite injuries throughout the season, the Ravens have been able to consistently shut down opposing offenses. Defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald has this unit playing great. What really stands out with the Ravens is that they can win any type of game. Whether it is an offensive shootout or a defensive struggle, Baltimore can hang. On top of that, they have Justin Tucker to hit any game-winning field goals.
Baltimore Ravens Playoff Preview: Why They Won’t Win
The Ravens have lost some dumb games this year. In all three of their losses, they have had leads in the fourth quarter and could not hold them. Even when the team has a big lead, it never feels safe which is weird considering I just spent a paragraph praising both sides of the ball. Whether it is a lack of focus or some poor late-game execution, the Ravens can’t seem to put teams away. I also think they may get a bad draw. Baltimore could be on a collision course with the Cleveland Browns in round two and I think the Browns matchup well against them.
You might read another Baltimore Ravens playoff preview that talks about the past failures in the playoffs, most notably the 2019 season where they went 14-2 and then lost in the divisional round. While I understand the concern, the 2019 team was completely different from this team. The amount of roster and coaching turnover that has happened makes this argument shaky. Lamar Jackson does need to show that he can win the big game but the talent around him is much better than previous seasons.
Playoff X-Factor
Baltimore Ravens playoff preview X-factor: Odell Beckham Jr.
The former first-round pick has had a solid season. Injuries have depleted the stats but he still has 35 receptions for 565 yards and three touchdowns. However, we have seen what he can bring to a playoff team. He was essential for the Los Angeles Rams when they won a couple of years ago. If Beckham Jr. can raise his game for the three playoff games, the Ravens offense could explode and become even more devastating.
The crazy thing about this season is it started with Lamar Jackson requesting a trade. It ended with the team securing the number one overall seed. Can Jackson live up to the massive contract and deliver a Super Bowl?
