The Take On Baltimore: Around The League

Alright, listen the fuck up, because if you're not already paying attention to the Baltimore Ravens, it's time to wake the hell up. My boys in purple aren’t just out here playing football—they’re laying waste to the competition like it’s a battlefield. After stomping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 41-31, climbing out of a 10-0 hole in the first quarter like a warm-up, the Ravens are sitting pretty at 5-2 and ready to tear through the rest of the season. Lamar Jackson? On a whole different level. Derrick Henry? A wrecking ball with cleats. This team is built to dominate, and they’re making it damn clear: Baltimore isn't just coming for the Super Bowl—they're coming to fucking own it. Pay attention or get the hell out of the way, because this Ravens squad is a straight-up force of nature, and they're just getting started.

The Ringer has them at No. 2 for the second week in a row.

Diante Lee pointed out that Lamar Jackson finally has a supporting cast that’s more dangerous than a pack of wolves in a meat locker. Tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely? Straight up versatile. Then, there's Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman who can do more than just burn turf; they’ve become elite route runners that can eat after the catch. Add Derrick Henry to the mix, and this offense is looking scarier than a back alley after midnight. Baltimore’s only real obstacle? Themselves.

The Athletic also has them at No. 2.

Josh Kendall admits, yeah, Baltimore’s defense ain’t what it used to be. They’re 26th in the league for points allowed—unheard of. But who cares when you’ve got Derrick Henry tearing up defenses and Lamar Jackson being...well, Lamar freaking Jackson? They're tied for the league lead in scoring, winning five straight, and the offense is running smoother than a new Harley.

NFL.com? No. 2 as well.

Eric Edholm was ready to put them at No. 1, and why not? Jackson was electric against the Bucs, Marlon Humphrey balled out with two picks, and Henry finished off the Bucs like he always does—pounding their defense into submission. The only thing holding the Ravens back from the top spot? Those late-game defensive breakdowns and a few early fumbles that nearly handed the game back to Tampa.

ESPN has them at No. 4.

Jamison Hensley notes that the Ravens' offensive line has been a huge factor, especially with right tackle rookie Rosengarten stepping up like a damn veteran. Since he started in Week 3, the Ravens' run game is slicing defenses like a hot knife through butter. Derrick Henry is the shining star with the Ravens ranking in the top five in total offensive yards. And with this line, expect Henry to rack up those 100-yard games like it’s nothing.

CBS Sports moved them up to No. 3.

Pete Prisco is ready to hand Lamar Jackson the MVP award right now. Jackson is tearing apart defenses through the air, not just with his legs. Baltimore’s offense is versatile, explosive, and frankly, unstoppable. They're keeping pace with their AFC rivals and still winning even when their defense is shaky.

The rest of the ranks?

Fox Sports, The 33rd Team, Yahoo Sports, Pro Football Network, and Bleacher Report all have them around the No. 3 or No. 4 mark, splitting hairs between the Ravens and Lions. But one thing's for sure: no one wants to face this team when they’re firing on all cylinders.

Here's the kicker: The only thing stopping this team from running wild is their defense. Yeah, they can let the scoreboard light up, but they need to stop hemorrhaging points if they want to be sipping champagne come February. With Marlon Humphrey out and some gaps in their pass defense, they’ve got to tighten up, or it could be their Achilles' heel.

But right now? With Lamar Jackson looking like a man possessed and Derrick Henry bulldozing anything in front of him, you can bet your ass the Ravens are aiming for the Super Bowl, and they’ve got the firepower to get there.