It's not far-fetched to say the Baltimore Ravens' season was on the line Sunday. And despite being without Lamar Jackson for the third straight game, they answered the call, beating the Chicago Bears 30-16. While the Ravens are just 2-5, they're far from out of the AFC North race.
With an easy schedule ahead and Lamar (likely) returning for Thursday night's game against the Miami Dolphins, there's plenty of reason for optimism in Charm City. Furthermore, the three other AFC North teams lost on Sunday, most importantly, the now 4-3 Pittsburgh Steelers.
If the Ravens beat the Dolphins on Thursday and the Steelers lose to the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts next Sunday, Baltimore would be within 1.5 games of first place. Not bad, huh?
The Ravens' schedule will benefit them
Undoubtedly, one of the biggest advantages Baltimore has is their remaining schedule. Per Tankathon, the Ravens have the fifth-easiest remaining schedule. This includes five straight games against below .500 teams. Now the Ravens are on the road for the next three games. Still, Ravens fans won't complain given who their opponents are.
Outside of the Dolphins are the Thursday, the Ravens also play the Cleveland Browns, and the Minnesota Vikings, before returning home. Then they play the New York Jets and Cincinnati Bengals. The Ravens close out with the Steelers twice, the New England Patriots, and the Green Bay Packers.
Regardless, these last few games are far more manageable than the gauntlet they started with. Ultimately, the Ravens-Steelers Week 18 matchup could determine the division.
Other advantages the Ravens have
Of course, getting Jackson back in the fold is another key factor for the Ravens' playoff chances. If Jackson is healthy, anything is possible for this squad. Along with Jackson, several key players, including Roquan Smith, Chidobe Awuzie, and Patrick Ricard, have returned to the field in recent weeks.
The Ravens' defense has also taken some nice strides, giving up 33 points in the past two weeks after giving up 30-plus points in four out of the first five weeks.
Likewise, the Ravens' defense has forced turnovers in two straight games, after previously only doing so once. The Ravens have done a better job of generating pressure in recent weeks. Moving Kyle Hamilton closer to the line of scrimmage following trading for Alohi Gilman has been key in this turnaround.
Conversely, the Steelers' defense is spiraling, allowing 30-plus points and 400-plus yards in back-to-back games. Don't look now, but the Ravens might be mounting an incredible mid-season turnaround.