The Baltimore Ravens’ Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night was a demoralizing one. They had the game in their hands, and what should have been a statement win quickly turned into another late-game meltdown. The moment came as no shock to Ravens’ fans, but for an organization that built one of the best rosters this past offseason, the expectations took a hit.
Still, Baltimore remains a top team in the NFL. One loss to a top-tier Super Bowl contender does not change that. They looked like the best team on the field for 55 of the 60 minutes of action. While the cluster of blunders in the final five minutes is something you will not see from many elite teams, the Ravens showed why they are one of the teams to beat in the AFC.
Lou Scataglia of NFL Spin Zone still ranks Baltimore highly. In a recent article where he ranked the top 16 teams in the AFC, Baltimore came in second. He wrote:
“Another second-half collapse for the Baltimore Ravens really isn't all that surprising. It's a trouble thing that has been present with this franchise for years now. However, let's not overthink this - Baltimore is still one of the best teams in the NFL and don't really take a hit in our power rankings.”
“This team will be just fine as the season goes on, as Lamar Jackson is still Lamar Jackson, and they've got way too much talent to not win double-digit games.”
Ravens hold firm in AFC rankings despite meltdown in Buffalo
In reality, the only team that really has a case over Baltimore is the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers took down the defending AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs on Friday night in Brazil. They did so in a convincing manner, winning 27-21, and gashing Steve Spagnuolo’s defense for 394 total yards; 304 through the air and 90 on the ground. However, in terms of talent, they fall short of Baltimore in several areas.
The Ravens have perhaps the best duo of any team in the league with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry leading the way. They also have one of the best, and surely the most impactful player on defense, in versatile safety Kyle Hamilton. The depth of star power is remarkable, as well.
They can truly beat you in any way possible, but the defense has to catch up if they want a shot at a Super Bowl in 2025. Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr turned the ship around in the second half of the 2024 season. We will see if he can do it again.