The 2025 Baltimore Ravens started the season with high hopes for a Super Bowl breakthrough. However, those aspirations have all but ended after Week 5, leaving the team with no realistic chance of making the playoffs.
Despite early-season defensive injuries, there was still some optimism as two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson led the offense. Unfortunately, Jackson suffered a hamstring injury in Week 4 against the Kansas City Chiefs, forcing him to miss the following Sunday’s game versus the Houston Texans. That injury has proved to be one setback too many for the Ravens.
### Why the Ravens’ 2025 Playoff Hopes Are Over
In Week 5, Baltimore’s defense continued to struggle against the pass, allowing Houston’s C.J. Stroud to pick them apart. The Texans also dominated the running game, holding Derrick Henry to just eight rushing yards on six carries. Meanwhile, Jackson’s backup, Cooper Rush, was unable to stretch the field with his passing. By halftime, the Ravens were already down 24-3 at home, and the game ended in a humiliating 44-10 loss.
The Ravens now sit at 1-4, with their only win coming in Week 2 against the Cleveland Browns. Since the NFL expanded to 14 playoff teams in 2021, it has become nearly impossible to recover from such a poor start. There are simply too many teams performing at an average or above-average level that will finish better than Baltimore.
Following their disappointing performance against Houston, the outlook doesn’t improve heading into Week 6 against the Rams—especially with Jackson likely still sidelined. Baltimore’s defense has been abysmal, missing key players across all levels. They lack both the depth and the elite scheming needed to bounce back.
Derrick Henry was never expected to carry the offense alone; he was meant to complement Jackson’s dynamic dual-threat ability. Without that formula, the team’s overall effectiveness has crumbled. Unfortunately, there isn’t enough time for head coach John Harbaugh to rebuild the chemistry and effectiveness, even once the injured players return.
### The Impact of Lamar Jackson’s Injury
Jackson missing time might have been manageable if not for the slew of other injuries piling up. The offense now faces the impossible task of consistently scoring well into the 30s just to stay competitive. Jackson was the key to masking many of the team’s other weaknesses, and without him, those issues are glaring.
Early-season victories by rivals like the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs only add to the Ravens’ woes. These AFC contenders won’t be upset about knocking off Baltimore to secure their playoff positioning. Similarly, the 3-1 Pittsburgh Steelers have little incentive to be challenged by a struggling division rival.
It’s rare to see the Ravens effectively buried before Halloween, but this season, any talk of a playoff run should be put to rest.
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**MORE:** [Should Ravens consider firing John Harbaugh after embarrassing performance vs. Texans?]
**MORE:** [When will Lamar Jackson return from injury?]
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### Ravens 2025 Schedule
*(Insert updated 2025 Baltimore Ravens schedule here)*
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