Believe it or not, the Baltimore Ravens could be in a playoff spot in 11 days’ time.
Despite all of their struggles, flaws and losses, they could be back in playoff contention.
Granted, they would have a losing record, but it is hardly a stretch to imagine this being the case.
Add to that, they are in a competitive division without a clear front-runner.
The path to the top
Even the most optimistic of Baltimore Ravens fans would have been surprised if you had said entering their bye that they could be leading the division by Week 11.
Here is the path to the division lead:
Week 9:
- Ravens win at 2-6 Dolphins
- Bengals lose to 4-3 Bears
- Steelers lose to 7-1 Colts
Week 10:
- Ravens win at 3-4 Vikings
- Steelers lose at 5-3 Chargers
That puts the Ravens tied with the Pittsburgh Steelers at 4-5, with the Cincinnati Bengals at 3-5.
Even if the Bengals beat the Bears, there would still be a three-way tie atop the AFC North.
Even better, the Ravens still have two match-ups each with the Bengals and Steelers.
For reference, the Bengals and Steelers also have one match to play.
The Ravens would still likely be at least two games behind in the Wild Card race – so the fourth seed is their only real hope.
Can Baltimore deliver?
This all comes when the Ravens are, in theory, getting healthier.
They have also played the tougher games on their schedule, though they do still have a trip to Lambeau Field and host the New England Patriots.
All this is irrelevant though if the Ravens do not take care of their own business.
With a soft middle to the schedule before back-to-back-to-back games against the Bengals and Steelers, the Ravens have to take advantage.
Baltimore played a simple game against the Chicago Bears. But what they did do was play solid, mistake-free football.
This is exactly the game plan, and critically execution, they needed in their earlier games without Lamar Jackson.
No trade help
As we approach the trade deadline, there is no clear target that would fix the Ravens’ problems.
The arrival of Alohi Gilman has done a lot for Kyle Hamilton’s impact.
Their biggest concern is in the trenches, as they are in the top five for sack yards lost, and the bottom three for sacks themselves.
And while their rushing average is the best in the league, they have dropped to eighth in rushing yards per game.
If the Ravens’ season does end disappointingly, the seminal image will likely be failing to score from the one-yard line against the Rams.
There is no doubt about it, there is opportunity for the Ravens to get their season back on track.
Even if they do not lead the division heading into Week 11, their destiny is, bizarrely, in their own hands, with five division contests to play.
Now, though, they must fix their non-injury flaws and deliver.
