Ravens’ Road to the Super Bowl: Can Lamar Jackson Finally Conquer the Playoffs?
The Baltimore Ravens are hungry. After another dominant regular season in 2024, capped with an AFC North title, the Ravens once again fell short of their Super Bowl aspirations, losing to the Buffalo Bills in the Divisional Round 27-25. With a revamped roster and a burning desire to hoist the Lombardi Trophy, the question on every NFL fan’s mind is: Can Lamar Jackson finally conquer the playoffs and lead the Ravens to the Super Bowl?
The Regular Season Dominance
Under the guidance of Head Coach John Harbaugh and Offensive Coordinator Todd Monken, the Ravens have consistently been a force to be reckoned with in the regular season. Quarterback Lamar Jackson, the 2023 league MVP, has elevated his game to new heights, showcasing his exceptional arm talent and electrifying running ability. In 2024, Jackson threw for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns, with a completion percentage of 60.5%. His dual-threat capabilities make him a nightmare for opposing defenses, and the Ravens’ offense has become one of the most explosive and dynamic in the league.
The Ravens’ offense ranked third in the league, averaging 30.5 points per game. The running game was bolstered by the addition of All-Pro running back Derrick Henry, who provided a physical presence and a consistent ground attack. Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and became a dominant force in the red zone. The receiving corps, led by Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, and veteran DeAndre Hopkins, provided Jackson with a reliable and versatile group of targets. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely remained viable in the passing game and important to a ground attack led by Henry.
The Playoff Hurdle
Despite their regular-season success, the Ravens have struggled to translate that dominance into playoff victories. Lamar Jackson’s playoff record currently stands at 3-5. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, consistency has been an issue. In his playoff career, Jackson has a 59.3% completion rate with 10 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
The Ravens’ playoff woes are not solely on Jackson’s shoulders. The team has struggled with turnovers, missed opportunities, and defensive lapses in crucial moments. In their most recent playoff loss to the Bills, the Ravens struggled to contain Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense, and key turnovers proved costly.
Building a Championship Roster
The Ravens’ front office has been aggressive in building a roster capable of making a deep playoff run. In the 2025 offseason, they made several key acquisitions to bolster both sides of the ball.
- DeAndre Hopkins (WR): Hopkins provides a veteran presence and a reliable target for Jackson.
- Jaire Alexander (CB): Alexander, is expected to solidify the Ravens’ secondary, adding another layer of talent to an already stout defense.
The Ravens also focused on improving their offensive line, selecting Emery Jones Jr., Carson Vinson and Garrett Dellinger in the 2025 NFL Draft. A strong offensive line is crucial for protecting Jackson and establishing a consistent running game.
The Road Ahead
The Ravens’ schedule in 2025 is challenging, with tough matchups against the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo Bills, and Cincinnati Bengals. However, the Ravens have the talent and coaching to compete with any team in the league.
According to The Athletic’s Austin Mock’s NFL Projection Model, after running 100,000 simulations of the 2025 season, the Ravens have the highest odds to win the Super Bowl at 11.9 percent.
Can Lamar Finally Conquer the Playoffs?
The key to the Ravens’ Super Bowl aspirations lies in Lamar Jackson’s ability to elevate his game in the playoffs. He needs to limit turnovers, make smart decisions, and lead the offense with confidence. The Ravens’ coaching staff must also develop a game plan that maximizes Jackson’s strengths and exploits the weaknesses of their opponents.
Isaiah Likely said that the Ravens need to remember who they are once the playoffs begin. “I feel like everybody, when you restart your season and want to get into the postseason, it is really just going back to the principles that got you there,”
With a strong running game, a talented receiving corps, and an improved defense, Jackson has all the tools necessary to succeed. The Ravens have also made a concerted effort to address their playoff struggles, focusing on mental toughness and attention to detail.
NFL analyst Bucky Brooks believes “this is the year Jackson finally gets the monkey off his back and guides the Ravens to the Super Bowl. The confetti might not fall on No. 8’s shoulders, but the ‘Bullies of Baltimore’ will finish the season in Santa Clara, California, competing for the Lombardi Trophy.”
The Ravens’ road to the Super Bowl will not be easy, but with Lamar Jackson at the helm, anything is possible. The time has come for Jackson to silence his critics and lead the Ravens to the promised land.