The Baltimore Ravens were flat-out embarrassed in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs. They faltered at the hands of a team that has struggled to find a rhythm in the early going. They let the Chiefs get into that rhythm, getting blown out 37-20.
Entering Sunday’s matchup, everyone thought this was an opportunity for the Ravens to get back on the right track. Despite the various injuries on defense heading into the game, which included Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, Broderick Washington, and Kyle Van Noy, the offense showed the readiness to go blow-for-blow against a disappointing Chiefs’ offense. However, Baltimore’s offense looked to be the one out of sync, while Kansas City’s looked closer to a top unit in the NFL.
Through four games, the Ravens have squared off against three legitimate playoff contenders in the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Chiefs. In all three games, they have shown an inability to get stops on defense and get off the field. In Week 4, their offense looked mortal for the first time in 2025.
After an already abysmal start, things somehow went from terrible to horrific in Kansas City, and it is a reality check for a Ravens team that has Super Bowl hopes in 2025.
Ravens’ Week 4 loss leaves season on shaky ground
Heading into this year’s campaign, it was a realistic possibility that Baltimore would start 1-3. They just completed one of the most brutal opening four weeks of any team in the league. However, it is the way they have looked in those weeks that has people sounding the panic alarm.
The Ravens have the worst defense in football. While they rank 31st in total yards given up, having allowed 55 yards less than the Dallas Cowboys, Dallas has also played in two overtime games. If you exclude those two overtime periods, Baltimore’s defense ranks 32nd by 12 yards.
It is true that the Ravens are dealing with a litany of injuries on the defensive end. In addition to those inactive ahead of Sunday’s contest, they lost Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, and Nate Wiggins. The offense was not immune to the injury bug either, as Lamar Jackson and Ronnie Stanley did not return after suffering injuries. Still, problems on both sides of the football were evident long before the injuries hit.
With the team now sitting at 1-3, there is a tough mountain to climb to get themselves back into playoff contention. Despite the challenges, they know they have to stay in the moment if they want any shot at being competitive in 2025. Kyle Hamilton outlined where his head is at following the demoralizing loss.
“We have to think about the Texans this week,” Hamilton said. “Focus on getting that win, getting to 2-3. You can’t get to 3-3 without getting to 2-3.”
Regardless, it is hard to ignore the situation they have put themselves in through four weeks. They are already two games back of the Pittsburgh Steelers for first place in the AFC North, and Pittsburgh should have some easy games ahead. For the Ravens, they will have matchups with the Houston Texans and the Los Angeles Rams before their bye week in Week 7. It is not going to get easier.