As the NFL playoffs approach, the team that enters at the hottest moment often holds the greatest advantage. For the 2025 Baltimore Ravens, that team appears to be them. With a dominant 35-10 victory over the Cleveland Browns on Saturday, the Ravens are now on a four-game winning streak, the longest of any AFC playoff contender. What’s even more impressive is that each of these victories has been by 17 or more points, signaling a team that is not only winning but doing so in commanding fashion.
While the road to this point has not always been smooth, with a few bumps along the way earlier in the season, the Ravens are now playing as well as anyone heading into the postseason. The team’s offense and defense are clicking on all cylinders, making them a serious contender for the ultimate prize. Their recent surge has led to them being ranked highly in the NFL power rankings across multiple media outlets, each providing their own take on where the Ravens stand among the league’s elite teams.
Let’s take a look at where the Ravens rank in the latest power rankings as they head into the playoffs, and what analysts have to say about their recent performance.
Sports Illustrated: No. 6
Last Week: No. 6
Sports Illustrated remains steady in its assessment of the Ravens, keeping them at No. 6 in the NFL heading into the postseason. Despite their impressive four-game streak, the outlet expressed a slight concern over the availability of wide receiver Zay Flowers, which could pose a challenge in games that turn into a “slugfest” — particularly when facing tough teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers have a knack for hanging around in close games, which could put extra pressure on the Ravens to finish strong. Still, SI acknowledges that the Ravens are playing well, particularly on the defensive side of the ball, and their ability to perform in crucial moments will ultimately determine their postseason fate. However, with Flowers’ potential return, there is optimism for Baltimore to find more explosive playmaking opportunities in the passing game.
NFL.com: No. 5
Last Week: No. 6
NFL.com has moved the Ravens up a spot to No. 5, largely due to their exceptional performance in their win over the Browns. The defense has become a huge strength for Baltimore, as demonstrated by Nate Wiggins’ pick-six and Michael Pierce’s interception — two critical turnovers that helped dominate Cleveland. The defense has been playing with confidence and swagger, while Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry have heated up on offense.
The Ravens’ offensive struggles earlier in the season are a thing of the past, with Jackson continuing to lead the charge as an MVP-caliber quarterback. Henry’s two touchdown performance is a reminder of the power running game that Baltimore can rely on, adding another dimension to their attack. As the Ravens go into the playoffs, the analysts at NFL.com believe that the team has the potential to “mow down the field” against any team in the AFC. The Ravens may have been flying under the radar earlier in the year, but now they are a team that others should be wary of.
CBS Sports: No. 5
Last Week: No. 6
CBS Sports shares a similar outlook on the Ravens, slotting them at No. 5 in the rankings. They emphasize the Ravens’ strength as one of the best teams in the AFC heading into the postseason. While the offense has been tough to stop, CBS underscores that it will ultimately be the defense that decides how far the Ravens can go in the playoffs.
Baltimore has solidified its defense as a key factor in its resurgence. The team has been tough to score on, allowing their offense to slowly wear opponents down over time. Defensive coordinator Zach Orr has gotten credit for the defense’s turnaround, with his work being described as an unsung success story. Under his leadership, the Ravens’ defense has made huge strides, and that will be a significant asset in their playoff run.
Yahoo Sports: No. 5
Last Week: No. 6
Yahoo Sports, like CBS and NFL.com, has placed the Ravens at No. 5 in their rankings. The outlet takes a slightly different angle by praising defensive coordinator Zach Orr, highlighting his rising star status within the NFL coaching ranks. Orr’s efforts have transformed the Ravens’ defense into a formidable unit, and his work could earn him a head coaching job in the near future.
Under Orr’s guidance, the Ravens have become one of the best defensive teams in the league, and that’s a huge reason for their success over the last few weeks. They’re allowing fewer points, forcing turnovers, and making key stops in critical moments. If the defense can continue its stellar play, Baltimore’s offense — led by Lamar Jackson — will have more than enough firepower to compete for a Super Bowl.
Where Do the Ravens Stand?
Across the board, the consensus is that the Ravens are playing some of their best football of the season as they enter the playoffs. Their defense is playing at an elite level, and Lamar Jackson’s leadership on offense continues to shine. What makes the Ravens particularly dangerous is their ability to control games from both sides of the ball — they can score in bunches, and they can also shut down opposing offenses when needed.
Still, there are a few lingering questions. Zay Flowers’ potential return could add another dimension to the Ravens’ offense, but his absence has been felt at times during their winning streak. Additionally, despite their recent success, the Ravens still need to prove they can sustain this level of play through the grueling postseason tournament, especially against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Pittsburgh Steelers, who all have the ability to challenge Baltimore’s dominance.
But, given their four-game winning streak and the way they’ve been able to win each game by large margins, the Ravens have positioned themselves as one of the most dangerous teams in the AFC. Baltimore has proven they can play with anyone, and with the momentum of their late-season surge, they enter the playoffs as one of the most formidable squads in the league.
As the Ravens look to make a deep run into January, they are ready to take on anyone who stands in their way. The best version of this team is an absolute powerhouse, and they are quietly becoming one of the most feared teams in the NFL once again. The stage is set for the Ravens to make their mark on the postseason, and they are a team no one wants to face in the coming weeks.
