Baltimore Ravens Power Ranking Position Reveals National Respect and Expectations Heading Into 2024 Training Camp With Super Bowl Hopes Rising
As the NFL offseason nears its final stretch and training camps prepare to open leaguewide, all eyes are once again turning to the Baltimore Ravens — a team that came painfully close to reaching the Super Bowl last season. Fueled by an MVP quarterback, a deep roster, and one of the most consistent front offices in the NFL, the Ravens are entering the 2024 training camp with high expectations. And the national power rankings reflect that growing sentiment.
Across major media outlets — from ESPN and NFL Network to CBS Sports and The Athletic — Baltimore is consistently ranked within the top five teams in the league. While a few analysts place them closer to sixth or seventh, the overall consensus is clear: the Ravens are a legitimate Super Bowl contender with all the tools necessary to make a serious postseason run.
This power ranking placement isn’t just symbolic; it’s a snapshot of the respect Baltimore has earned under head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta. Let’s explore what’s fueling these high rankings, the strengths and concerns analysts point to, and where the Ravens truly stand as the 2024 NFL season approaches.
Baltimore’s lofty position in preseason power rankings can be traced directly to their dominant 2023 regular season. The Ravens finished 13-4, secured the AFC’s top seed, and entered the playoffs as one of the league’s most balanced and feared teams. Their defense finished first in points allowed, sacks, and takeaways — a historic feat — while the offense, led by Lamar Jackson, ranked near the top in rushing and top 10 in scoring.
Lamar’s second MVP award solidified his evolution as a quarterback, and new offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system unlocked new dimensions in Baltimore’s attack. The emergence of rookie wide receiver Zay Flowers and the dynamic tight end tandem of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely only added to the team’s offensive arsenal.
Although their AFC Championship Game loss to the Kansas City Chiefs ended the season in heartbreak, the Ravens’ overall body of work left analysts confident that they’re among the league’s elite — and hungry for more.
Lamar Jackson is once again the centerpiece of Baltimore’s championship aspirations. At age 27, he’s entering the prime of his career with a firm grasp of Monken’s offense and his most complete supporting cast yet. With improved accuracy, decision-making, and chemistry with his receivers, Lamar’s growth as a passer has silenced many critics.
Analysts credit Jackson’s ability to take over games — both with his legs and his arm — as a key reason why the Ravens remain so high in power rankings.
Even with the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, the Ravens retain a formidable unit. Led by All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, a rising star in Kyle Hamilton, and a deep front seven, the defense remains fast, physical, and disciplined.
New defensive coordinator Zach Orr inherits a group with the same aggressive DNA and depth that made Baltimore’s defense the best in football last season. The expectation is that while some regression is natural, the Ravens’ defense will remain among the league’s elite.
John Harbaugh is one of the NFL’s longest-tenured and most respected head coaches. His ability to keep Baltimore competitive year after year — even through injuries and transitions — is a major factor in the team’s top-tier ranking.
The organizational culture built around accountability, development, and physicality continues to pay dividends. Players thrive in Baltimore’s system, and the front office consistently finds talent through the draft and smart free-agent moves.
Unlike some contenders that rely heavily on a few stars, the Ravens boast one of the deepest rosters in the league. The offensive line is anchored by Pro Bowler Tyler Linderbaum, while the defensive line rotates multiple effective pass rushers.
The secondary, even with some offseason changes, has depth at cornerback and a safety duo in Hamilton and Marcus Williams that rivals any in the NFL. Running backs like Derrick Henry and Keaton Mitchell offer complementary styles, giving the offense multiple looks.
While many analysts rank Baltimore as high as second or third in the NFL, the team hasn’t reached the universal No. 1 spot for a few key reasons.
The Ravens have become known for their regular-season dominance, but playoff disappointments continue to haunt them. Since Lamar Jackson became the starter in 2018, Baltimore is just 2-4 in the postseason.
Last year’s loss to the Chiefs — where the offense managed only 10 points — raised questions about their ability to execute in high-pressure situations. Until they prove they can beat elite teams in January, some analysts remain cautious.
Injuries have plagued the Ravens for multiple seasons. Mark Andrews missed critical time in 2023. J.K. Dobbins and Keaton Mitchell suffered major injuries. Ronnie Stanley, once an All-Pro left tackle, has struggled to stay healthy.
If Baltimore can’t keep its core players on the field — particularly on offense — it could derail their championship hopes.
With Mike Macdonald gone and Zach Orr promoted to defensive coordinator, there’s a natural uncertainty about how the unit will evolve. Orr, a former Ravens player and positional coach, knows the system well but has never called plays at the NFL level.
Similarly, the special teams unit — usually a strength under Harbaugh — is adjusting to new pieces, including a potential replacement for long-time return man Devin Duvernay.
Baltimore’s top-five ranking consistently places them in elite company. The Kansas City Chiefs, San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, and Cincinnati Bengals are frequently ranked alongside the Ravens.
Kansas City remains the consensus No. 1 thanks to their Super Bowl pedigree and Patrick Mahomes’ brilliance. San Francisco boasts the most talent-rich roster, while Detroit is a rising power with an aggressive, young core. Cincinnati, with Joe Burrow returning to full health, is also expected to push Baltimore for the AFC North title.
However, what separates Baltimore is their unique blend of high-level quarterback play, elite defense, and coaching stability. If they can stay healthy and maintain momentum from 2023, there’s a strong case that the Ravens could leapfrog into the top two or even claim the No. 1 spot early in the regular season.
With training camp about to begin, Baltimore’s power ranking provides a baseline — but the next few weeks will help shape the team’s true trajectory.
Key storylines include:
- How will Derrick Henry integrate into the offense alongside Lamar Jackson?
- Can Zay Flowers take the next step and become a true WR1?
- Will Rashod Bateman finally break out and stay healthy?
- Can Isaiah Likely continue to evolve into a true co-star alongside Mark Andrews?
- How will Zach Orr manage the defense under a full-time coordinator role?
- Who steps up at cornerback following the departure of veterans?
Baltimore will use camp not just to refine strategy but to answer these questions and build chemistry.
The Ravens find themselves in rare territory heading into the 2024 season: nationally respected, highly ranked, and considered a top-tier Super Bowl contender — yet still carrying a chip on their shoulder.
Their top-five power ranking status heading into training camp validates the team’s talent, coaching, and consistency. But internally, Baltimore knows that rankings mean little without playoff results. The expectations are high for a reason — this team has everything it needs to win now.
With Lamar Jackson leading the way, a stacked defense, and one of the most cohesive organizations in football, the Ravens have earned their spot near the top. Now it’s about proving they belong there all the way through February.
