Why Ravens' playoff chances in 2025 fade to black without MVP QB Lamar Jackson

The 2025 Baltimore Ravens started with hopes for a Super Bowl breakthrough. For all intents and purposes, the season has ended with no chance to make the playoffs after Week 5.

Through all their early-season defensive injuries, they had a glimmer of optimism because two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson was still leading the offense.

But with Jackson suffering a hamstring injury in Week 4 at the Chiefs that kept him from playing Sunday vs. the Texans, it has proved to be one too many injuries.

MORE: Should Ravens consider firing John Harbaugh after embarrassing performance vs. Texans?

Here's more on why the Ravens' hopes for a 2025 playoff berth are already over. 

Why Ravens' 2025 playoff hopes are over

In Weel 5, 5he Baltimore defense kept on struggling vs. the pass, getting lit up by Houston's C.J. Stroud. The Texans also had their way in the running game. With Derrick Henry being stuffed to just eight rushing yards on six carries and Jackson's backup, Cooper Rush, unable to throw well downfield, Baltimore was done at home at halftime, down 24-3.

The Ravens are now 1-4, with their only win coming in Week 2 at the Browns. Since the NFL expanded to 14 playoff teams in 2021, it's become impossible to recover from that hole. There are just too many average or above-average teams that will finish better than the Ravens. Following Sunday's shocking 44-10 final, they can't feel good at all about outscoring the Rams without Jackson (likely) in Week 6.

Baltimore hasn't been this bad on defense in a long time (maybe ever) with key pieces on every level missing in action. The team has lacked the depth or typical ace scheming to recover. Henry wasn't made to carry the offense, but rather complement the dynamic dual threat of Jackson. The complementary football formula has fallen apart and there isn't enough time for John Harbaugh to put it all together by the time all the vital personnel return.

MORE: When will Lamar Jackson return from injury?

Jackson missing time might have been manageable without the rash of other injuries, because there wouldn't be so much burden on the offense to score well into the 30s. In this current state, Jackson needed to mask just about everything.

The Bills and Chiefs won't be sad about beating the Ravens early to contribute to the latter's bad start. It's one more AFC playoff challenger out of the way, much like the Bengals without Joe Burrow long-term. The 3-1 Steelers also won't care if they don't get pushed by their rivals in the AFC North.

It's rare to bury the Ravens before Halloween, but nevermore should their playoff chances be discussed this season.

Ravens 2025 schedule