“Ravens Set to Soar in 2025: Analytics Predict Baltimore to Lead the AFC with NFL-Best 11.6 Wins, Outpacing Top Contenders”

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves at the center of the league’s conversation, as high expectations accompany them into the new year. After a remarkable offseason, roster enhancements, and a clear commitment to winning, the Ravens are set to challenge for the AFC’s top spot — and potentially the league’s best record. Cynthia Frelund, a respected NFL analytics expert, has predicted that the Ravens will finish the season with an NFL-best 11.6 wins, narrowly edging out other top contenders for supremacy in the AFC.

For fans in Baltimore, this prediction fuels an even higher level of anticipation. The Ravens’ path to becoming a Super Bowl contender has never seemed more clear, as they’ve built one of the most complete rosters in football. But what exactly makes this season different from those of years past, and why is the analytics community so bullish on Baltimore’s prospects in 2025?

Much of the Ravens’ optimistic outlook for the 2025 season begins and ends with the play of their quarterback, Lamar Jackson. Since entering the NFL in 2018, Jackson has been a force of nature, known for his electrifying athleticism, remarkable arm strength, and uncanny ability to make plays on the move. However, in his early seasons, the criticisms were often aimed at his consistency as a passer and his ability to lead in big moments.

Fast forward to 2025, and Jackson has evolved into one of the most well-rounded quarterbacks in the league. Under head coach John Harbaugh’s steady leadership and with an offense designed to fully maximize his skill set, Jackson has refined his passing accuracy and decision-making. The addition of top-tier receiving threats like Odell Beckham Jr. and Zay Flowers, combined with the ever-dangerous Mark Andrews at tight end, means Jackson will have more than enough firepower to push Baltimore’s offense to new heights.

In fact, Jackson’s development has been a key factor in Frelund’s analytics model. As a quarterback who can make plays both inside and outside the pocket, his dual-threat ability places him in rare company in the NFL. According to Frelund’s model, Jackson’s passing and rushing yardage are expected to set career-highs in 2025, with improved consistency in clutch moments and a heightened ability to read defenses, setting the stage for a monster statistical season.

A strong offensive line is essential for any team looking to compete at the highest level, and the Ravens have made major investments into ensuring that Lamar Jackson remains protected. While the offensive line has often been a point of concern in past seasons, the 2025 unit has taken shape as one of the most formidable in the NFL.

Led by stalwarts like Ronnie Stanley, the left tackle who has steadily returned to form after injury issues, the Ravens’ line has become a steady force. The addition of rookies and veterans in the offseason, along with a system designed to mitigate pass-rush pressure, allows Jackson more time in the pocket to make plays. A solid line also provides opportunities for the Ravens’ elite rushing attack, a hallmark of their offensive identity.

The offensive line’s stability is another factor in Frelund’s projection of Baltimore’s success. With Jackson’s mobility making it difficult for defenders to predict when he’ll run or pass, the offensive line plays a critical role in ensuring that the team’s offense can function smoothly on all levels.

While much of the attention often goes to Lamar Jackson and the offense, the Ravens’ defense is just as crucial in their bid for an AFC-leading 2025 campaign. Over the years, Baltimore has built a reputation for being one of the toughest, most aggressive defenses in the NFL, and 2025 promises to be no different.

The Ravens defense is spearheaded by a veteran defensive front featuring players like Calais Campbell, Roquan Smith, and Marlon Humphrey, who continue to set the tone with their leadership and versatility. The front seven, which can generate pressure and stop the run, is one of the most complete in the league. Baltimore’s pass rush, particularly, has been a nightmare for opposing quarterbacks, and with added depth and emerging talent, the defense is positioned to be a consistent difference-maker.

What stands out the most about Baltimore’s defense is its ability to adapt to different types of offenses. Whether it’s facing a run-heavy team or a high-flying passing attack, the Ravens have the personnel and the coaching to adjust and find success. Frelund’s analytics model places a significant emphasis on how well-rounded the Ravens defense is, as they not only defend well against the pass but also manage to stifle the run. In fact, the model projects the Ravens’ defense to finish the season among the top five in both pass rush win rate and run stop win rate.

This adaptability could be a major factor in their AFC dominance. With teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills boasting potent offenses, the Ravens’ defense will need to step up when it matters most. Fortunately, Baltimore’s defense thrives in high-pressure situations, and its ability to generate takeaways will be critical for flipping the field and giving Lamar Jackson’s offense the extra possessions it needs to score.

While the offense and defense often take center stage, the Ravens’ special teams unit is frequently one of the most underrated aspects of their success. Headlined by the reliable Justin Tucker, arguably the NFL’s greatest kicker of all time, and a consistently effective return game, Baltimore’s special teams consistently put the team in a position to succeed.

Tucker’s ability to make game-winning field goals from almost anywhere on the field is legendary, and his consistency is invaluable to the Ravens’ chances of success. Frelund’s analytics model accounts for Tucker’s contributions, projecting his clutch kicking ability to help boost the Ravens’ win totals, especially in tight games. Given the high level of competition in the AFC, having a reliable kicker can often be the difference between victory and defeat — and Baltimore has one of the best.

As much as the players on the field contribute to the Ravens’ success, the leadership of head coach John Harbaugh cannot be overlooked. Harbaugh has been at the helm since 2008, guiding the team through ups and downs, including a Super Bowl victory in 2012. His ability to lead, adjust, and inspire has made him one of the NFL’s most respected head coaches.

In 2025, Harbaugh’s leadership will be key as he orchestrates the perfect balance between an offense that’s explosive and a defense that’s stingy. His coaching staff has been reinforced with talented coordinators and position coaches, further elevating the Ravens’ chances of sustained success throughout the season. The key for Harbaugh will be keeping the team focused and disciplined, ensuring that each player knows their role and is held accountable. The Ravens’ consistency under Harbaugh’s stewardship is one of the cornerstones of their projected success this season.

A significant factor in Frelund’s analytics model for projecting the Ravens’ success in 2025 is the team’s schedule. Baltimore enters the season with a moderately difficult slate of games, including several high-profile matchups against top AFC contenders. However, the Ravens also benefit from some favorable matchups against rebuilding teams and those with questionable rosters.

The Ravens’ ability to capitalize on those favorable matchups will be crucial to securing a top seed in the AFC. Additionally, Baltimore’s divisional matchups against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns will likely play a major role in determining their ultimate standing in the playoff race. Historically, the Ravens have dominated within their division, and continued success against these rivals could set them up for a path toward the top of the AFC.

While the Ravens are certainly a favorite for the 2025 season, they will not have an easy path to the top of the AFC. The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are perennial contenders, and teams like the Buffalo Bills, Cincinnati Bengals, and Jacksonville Jaguars have all shown significant promise. However, Baltimore’s balanced attack — combining offensive firepower, defensive consistency, and special teams excellence — positions them to outperform these teams in the regular season.

Frelund’s model suggests that while other teams may have higher individual star power, Baltimore’s team-oriented approach and well-rounded roster provide the Ravens with a higher floor in terms of overall performance. If Lamar Jackson stays healthy and continues his upward trajectory, there is little reason why the Ravens can’t finish with the best record in the league.

As the 2025 season kicks off, the Baltimore Ravens are primed to make a statement. With one of the most complete rosters in the NFL, anchored by an elite quarterback, a dominant defense, and a rock-solid special teams unit, the Ravens are built for a deep playoff run and a potential Super Bowl appearance. Cynthia Frelund’s projection of 11.6 wins, the highest in the NFL, reflects the confidence the analytics community has in this team’s ability to succeed across the board.

If everything falls into place — with Lamar Jackson playing at an MVP-caliber level, the defense continuing to stymie opponents, and key players staying healthy — the 2025 season could be one to remember for Baltimore fans. Whether or not they can maintain their dominance and emerge as the AFC’s top team remains to be seen, but the Ravens are undoubtedly in the conversation for the league’s best team in 2025.