The Baltimore Ravens' magic might have run out, folks. Either that, or the petrol tank is reading empty.
After Week 14's loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Ravens, at 6-7, once again have a mountain to climb to get to the postseason, and with a horror stretch in the final four weeks, John Harbaugh's team is in a dire situation.
The offense is still struggling with Lamar Jackson not playing well, and the defense allowed a host of big plays against Pittsburgh, which was just a dagger to the heart on Sunday.
For ESPN's Jamison Hensley, there isn't much hope left with four games left in the season for Baltimore.
"It's difficult to justify hope going forward because Jackson is struggling with his consistency throwing the ball and the defense is giving up too many big passing plays,” Hensley writes. “With seven losses, the Ravens don't have any assurances they can make the postseason by winning out, which is already a challenging task considering three of their final four games are on the road.”
More: Analyst has grave concerns for Ravens offense after horror Steelers showing
Can the Ravens win the AFC North?
Yes, they can, but it would require some help from the football gods.
An away trip to face the Cincinnati Bengals, who curb-stomped them just a few weeks ago, before the New England Patriots at home, and then a two-game road trip to finish with the Green Bay Packers and the Steelers.
That is a brutal stretch, and you would imagine the Ravens would need to run the table there, and hope the Steelers, who still play the Detroit Lions and Cleveland Browns, stumble.
But right now, the Ravens don't look like a playoff team, which is a serious statement in itself.
There is time to turn this ship around, but the margin for error is gone.
It all comes down to Week 15. Win, and you live to fight for another week. But lose, and it's curtains for 2025.
More Ravens news:
- Ravens' Isaiah Likely overturned TD call still is mind-blowingly weird in crucial AFC North playoff picture
- DeAndre Hopkins weighs in on NFL officiating controversy in Ravens' loss to Steelers
- Ravens playoff chances fade to 'nevermore' (again) with Week 14 loss to Steelers
- Will controversial call determine AFC North champs between Steelers, Ravens?