The Baltimore Ravens are one of the best teams in the NFL heading into Week 1 of the regular season. Much of last year’s cast is returning, and they made major acquisitions in both free agency and the draft. They somehow project to be even better in 2025.
Baltimore set records on offense in 2024, becoming the first team in NFL history to rush for over 3,000 yards and pass for over 4,000. On the defensive side, their unit struggled in the first half of last season, but finished as one of the better defenses in football. This year, they are expected to improve on both sides and even on special teams. It is easy to see why they are one of the top Super Bowl favorites.
Sayre Bedinger on NFL Spin Zone constructed a power rankings list ahead of Week 1, and the Ravens headed the list at the number one spot, dethroning the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
“The Ravens have an elite group of skill players offensively. Questions about the offensive line have been answered by players the Ravens drafted (of course). The defense is loaded at all three levels,” Bedinger wrote. “Simply put, the Baltimore Ravens are ready to not only make a run for the AFC this season, but run the table in the regular season. There won’t be many games in which they are not favored this season. This team is a scary combination of elite talent and well-oiled machine.”
Ravens leap past Eagles in latest NFL power rankings
At face value, the Ravens have a roster deserving of the first-place ranking. On offense, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are two of the most feared players in the league, and their arsenal of weapons goes deep with Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Mark Andrews, and more. The defense is just deep, led by All-Pros Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton, and Marlon Humphrey.
The team’s 2025 rookie class should give them a boost, too. Malaki Starks and Mike Green are expected to be key contributors early, and Tyler Loop and LaJohntay Wester should play crucial roles on special teams. Even third-round pick Emery Jones Jr. could get in on the action when he returns from injury, potentially providing stable play on the interior offensive line.
It could seem a bit crazy to put the Ravens over the Eagles, though. Philadelphia did lose talent on both the offensive and defensive lines, and Adoree’ Jackson will be put to the test early as Darius Slay’s replacement at starting outside corner opposite of Quinyon Mitchell. Still, they are the defending Super Bowl champions and retained most of their star players.
Baltimore has also struggled in the playoffs, while Philadelphia has found success time and time again, rolling through the NFC in recent years. However, in terms of talent, the Ravens likely have the best team in football. We will see if they can finally prove themselves when it matters most this year.