After the Baltimore Ravens' Week 9 win over the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, there is a clear path to the playoffs in front of them. While their 3-5 record puts them at a severe disadvantage, they have a favorable schedule lying ahead. Add that to the fact that the AFC North has been underwhelming in 2025, and there is still a recipe for success for Baltimore’s season.
Over the past two games, the Ravens have looked like a well-oiled machine. They blew out the Chicago Bears in Week 8 and did the same against the Dolphins. The offense has its foot on the gas pedal, and the defense has picked up the pieces and is morphing into a formidable unit.
Wide receiver Zay Flowers has been a key piece to Baltimore’s offense since Week 1. The 25-year-old is enjoying a career year, and in his third year, he is playing with the exact mindset needed to turn this ship around.
Zay Flowers ready to turn 2025 season around
Following a fantastic night where he caught five passes for 64 yards, Flowers highlighted the importance of the team’s Week 9 win.
“We just getting started,” Flowers said. “We should go on a run right now. Everybody feeling good, we got everybody back. It should start a little run.”
The Ravens endured countless injury struggles in the first half. They lost several Pro Bowlers like quarterback Lamar Jackson, left tackle Ronnie Stanley, linebacker Roquan Smith, and cornerback Marlon Humphrey throughout the difficult early-season stretch. They also had injuries to other contributors that tested the team’s depth early on. It made an already tough start to their schedule even tougher, but now, they are fully healthy and ready to go on a tear.
The return of Jackson had a significant impact on Thursday’s result. The offense found its footing in their Week 8 win, but the presence of Jackson alone in Week 9 made Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken’s group a threat to make a big play at any moment. While there were not many of those splash plays, Jackson was consistent and got nearly everyone involved as he picked apart Miami’s defense.
Defensively, Defense Coordinator Zach Orr’s unit made a statement. They allowed just six points and have now held opponents to 39 points over their past three contests. The acquisition of safety Alohi Gilman is paying off in a big way, and it comes at the perfect time with a critical stretch looming.
If the Ravens can extend their win streak in the coming weeks, they should be right back in playoff contention.