The Baltimore Ravens are heading into the playoffs with momentum and high expectations. After clinching their second straight AFC North title with a dominant 35-10 win over the Cleveland Browns, national media figures like Rich Eisen are placing Baltimore firmly in the “Super Bowl contender” category.
On The Rich Eisen Show, Eisen broke down exactly why the Ravens have all the tools needed to hoist the Lombardi Trophy this season.
“What do you need to win it all? You need an MVP quarterback. Check that box,” Eisen said. He highlighted Lamar Jackson, whose 2024 MVP-worthy season included historic numbers as the first quarterback to throw for over 4,000 yards and rush for 900 in the same season. “You need a defense. This defense just gets better and better,” Eisen continued, pointing to Baltimore’s top-ranked unit since Week 11. “And you need a rushing attack. They’ve got Derrick Henry to balance it out.”
Eisen even suggested that this Ravens squad might be better equipped for a Super Bowl run than last year’s team, which entered the playoffs as the AFC’s top seed. With a balanced offense, a revitalized defense, and the leadership of John Harbaugh, it’s no wonder Baltimore is seen as one of the NFL’s most dangerous teams heading into January.
Ravens’ offense and defense are peaking at the perfect time
It starts with Lamar Jackson. Eisen isn’t alone in saying Jackson’s performance under Todd Monken’s offense has been extraordinary. Jackson’s command of the system and ability to torch defenses both through the air and on the ground has made the Ravens’ offense a nightmare to prepare for.
Pairing Jackson with Derrick Henry—who rushed for nearly 2,000 yards and 16 touchdowns—has turned Baltimore into a cold-weather juggernaut, capable of wearing down opponents in the trenches.
But Baltimore’s dominance doesn’t stop there. The defense, a liability earlier in the season, has transformed into a championship-caliber unit. Since Week 11’s safety switch with Kyle Hamilton, the Ravens rank first in nearly every defensive category, including scoring defense, total defense, and yards per play allowed. Zach Orr’s group has become fundamentally sound and relentless, giving Baltimore the balance necessary for a deep playoff run.
Ravens' updated defensive ranks since their Week 11 switch at safety:
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) January 6, 2025
1st in scoring defense
1st in total defense
1st in pass defense
1st in yards per play
1st in EPA per playhttps://t.co/NUs0lnpRbp
Of course, Eisen acknowledges that the postseason is a different animal. Baltimore has struggled to translate regular-season success into playoff wins, and the looming presence of Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs still casts a shadow over the AFC. However, the Ravens’ battle-tested roster, hot finish, and adaptability make them uniquely suited to take on the challenge.
Baltimore has spent the last five years building to this moment. If there’s ever been a time for the Ravens to reclaim the Super Bowl stage, it’s now.