The Ravens are in a precarious position after their recent loss to the Chiefs, with analysts scrambling to assess their playoff prospects. This defeat—where the Ravens were outplayed for the second consecutive week and suffered multiple key injuries—has raised serious concerns about the team's future. The phrase 'add insult to injury' perfectly captures the situation: not only did Baltimore fall to 1-3, but their roster is now riddled with ailments, leaving them vulnerable at every level.
The Ravens' injury list reads like a Pro Bowl lineup. Quarterback Lamar Jackson (hamstring), left tackle Ronnie Stanley (ankle), inside linebacker Roquan Smith (hamstring), and cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey (calf) and Nate Wiggins (elbow) are among the players sidelined. With 10 starters dealing with injuries, the team’s depth is severely compromised. Analysts warn that this could be a turning point—a moment where the Ravens’ struggles become impossible to ignore.
Pundits are divided on whether this 1-3 start signals the end of the Ravens’ season. ESPN’s Jamison Hensley notes that while the team has been 1-3 twice before (in 2005 and 2015), they’ve never made the playoffs. However, Jackson’s consistent performance as a quarterback remains a bright spot. Yet, his injury during the game raises questions about the team’s ability to sustain momentum. The defense, which has already surrendered 133 points in four games—franchise history’s worst total—adds to the pressure.
But here's where it gets controversial: Many argue that the Ravens are using the early season as an excuse. They’ll likely cite a lighter schedule and a bye week to justify their struggles. However, the reality is that this team is in trouble. The defense is a mess, Jackson is visibly frustrated, and the roster is crumbling under the weight of injuries. By halftime of the Chiefs game, the Ravens were missing six defensive starters—a sign that their rebuilding efforts may be too late.
And this is the part most people miss: The Ravens’ inability to adapt. Last year, they faced similar challenges but managed to turn things around by adjusting their defensive scheme. This time, the injuries are worse, and the team lacks the flexibility to recover. The Chiefs, meanwhile, have exploited the Ravens’ weaknesses, especially against Jackson. The Chiefs’ aggressive pressure and strategic schemes have left the Ravens struggling to find rhythm.
Injury woes are reminiscent of the 2015 Ravens, who also faced a brutal stretch of setbacks. That team ended up with 19 players on injured reserve and finished 5-11. While it’s still early to predict the same fate for the 2025 Ravens, the parallels are hard to ignore. If this trend continues, the team could face a losing season for the first time since 2015.
Yet, there’s hope. Defensive back Kyle Hamilton, one of the few healthy starters, has shown leadership and accountability. He publicly apologized for comments that upset fans, acknowledging the team’s struggles and the fans’ disappointment. His maturity and dedication could be the difference between a season of despair and a turnaround. But will the Ravens have the strength to rebuild?
The Ravens’ path forward is unclear. With a critical stretch of games coming up and a weakened roster, the team must either find a way to heal or risk watching their season slip away. The question is no longer if they can win—but whether they can even stay in the race. The answer, so far, seems to be a resounding no.
