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Ravens Begin Digging Out of Power Rankings Hole

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. ns-begin-digging-out-of-power-rankings-hole.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 7:20 GMT by Sports Illustrated

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The Numbers that Define the Drop

At the time of the article’s release, the Ravens were positioned at 15th in the power rankings, a clear fall from their 7th‑place spot from the previous week. The rankings, which blend statistical performance, strength of schedule, injuries, and recent form, are updated weekly by a panel of analysts including former coaches, broadcasters, and statisticians. The shift is tied directly to the team’s 3‑1 record at the end of the regular season—a record that, while not disastrous, falls short of the 12‑4 mark the franchise hoped for. The article notes that the loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 12 was particularly damaging; a 33‑13 defeat that exposed vulnerabilities on both sides of the ball.

Key Game Highlights

The article spends considerable time dissecting the Eagles game. The Ravens’ offense, led by quarterback Lamar Jackson, stalled early. Jackson, who had posted a 75‑percent completion rate and a 9‑to‑1 touchdown-to-interception ratio over the first nine games, threw two interceptions and a fumble, losing a critical first‑half lead. Meanwhile, the defense, which had been a pillar of the Ravens’ identity, gave up 24 points in the second quarter after a defensive lapse that left the Eagles with an unexpected rushing advantage.

Prior to that, the Ravens’ 34‑14 loss to the New York Giants in Week 11 had already sapped the team’s momentum. The Giants’ defense forced five turnovers, and the Giants’ special‑teams play, particularly a blocked punt returned for a touchdown, proved costly. The article quotes defensive coordinator Greg Mattison on the need for adjustments: “We’re losing the game because we’re not protecting the ball and the ball isn’t protecting us.”

Injury Concerns

Injuries, as the piece emphasizes, have been a constant theme. Wide receiver Justin Jefferson was listed on the PUP list for a week after a hamstring injury, and offensive tackle David DeCastro was sidelined with a shoulder injury. The article includes a link to the official injury report, which details the extended absence of running back James Conner, who had been a key contributor on the ground. Conner’s injury forced the Ravens to rely on backup RB Jalen Reagor, whose performance, while solid, lacked the playmaking ability that Conner brought.

Coaching Adjustments

Coaching is another focus of the article. Head coach John Harbaugh, who has led the team to multiple playoff appearances, was candid about the need for a more disciplined approach. “We’re not playing as a team,” Harbaugh said in an interview cited by the article. The piece notes that the coaching staff has been rotating quarterbacks to create a more efficient offensive scheme, but the chemistry has yet to translate into wins.

The Division’s Impact

The Ravens’ slide is not occurring in a vacuum. The AFC North is fiercely competitive. The article links to a comparison of the division’s power rankings, showing the Steelers, Bengals, and Browns all occupying the top five spots. With the Steelers’ 11‑5 record and the Bengals’ 9‑7 finish, the Ravens face a steeper path to a playoff berth. The article highlights that the Ravens’ loss to the Steelers in Week 3—an 18‑10 defeat—was the first of two in a short span and that the team has yet to recover from that setback.

What’s Next for Baltimore?

Looking ahead, the article projects the Ravens’ remaining schedule, which includes a home finale against the New England Patriots and an away trip to the Denver Broncos. The analysis section links to the official schedule page, which details each game’s travel demands and the potential impact of weather conditions. Analysts predict that the Ravens will need to tighten their defensive rotations and find consistency at the quarterback position to climb out of the power‑ranking hole.

The piece concludes with a reflective note from a former Ravens player, now a commentator, who reminds readers that the power rankings are just one lens. “We’re a resilient team,” the former player said. “We’ve been through tougher times. The goal is to get back to the playoff‑ready mode, and we’re working on that.”

In summary, the article outlines a comprehensive picture of Baltimore’s midseason decline: a combination of key losses, injuries, coaching adjustments, and divisional competition all contributing to the team’s fall into the lower ranks of the NFL power rankings. It invites readers to follow the story as the Ravens attempt to reverse the trend in the final stretch of the season.