2023 NFL Power Rankings: Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson is living up to the five-year, $260 million contract he signed this offseason. In his first year in Todd Monken's offense, Jackson is more accurate than ever, completing 70.5% of his passes (third best in the NFL). He's still dangerous with his legs, whether it's extending plays or delivering big gains on the ground. His 380 yards rushing tops all quarterbacks. Jackson's playmaking ability is why Baltimore is tied for the best record in the AFC and holds a 1½-game lead in the AFC North. -- Jamison Hensley

There were minimal signs of an emotional letdown for the Ravens after Week 7's trouncing of the Lions. Lamar Jackson did little, but they didn't need him to do much. They allowed Arizona to hang around too long, but in the end, this was a solid road win. They'll take it, with the next three games (and six of the final nine) in Baltimore. That's the good news. The bad? Most of the remaining opponents look fairly tough or better. And the AFC North has muscled up a bit since the Ravens last played a divisional game. Still, they're 6-2, tied atop the AFC and arguably playing as well as anyone in the conference. This week's opponent, the Seahawks, could be one big win away from making that claim on the NFC side. The Ravens' steep march to the playoffs begins in earnest.

They found a way against Arizona, but the passing game took a step back. That's a concern for this group.

At 6-2 and leading their division, are they the AFC's best team? Maybe, but they certainly seem to have the conference's best safety tandem in Kyle Hamilton and emergent Geno Stone, who leads the NFL with five INTs.

Something scary (for others): Lamar Jackson under Todd Monken

The Ravens' new offensive coordinator has the Ravens' old quarterback playing at an MVP level. In the last three weeks, no quarterback in the league has more total expected points added (24.98) than Jackson, according to TruMedia, and his completion percentage (70.5) and yards per attempt (7.8) are on pace to be career highs.

It felt a bit predictable that Baltimore would struggle after such a dominant performance against Detroit the week before, but at least they won. That's more than several other contenders can say this week. The Ravens are the latest in a long line of teams to be frustrated by Arizona, but it's easier to iron out the wrinkles after a third straight win.

Gus Edwards picked a good time to have a three-touchdown game, right before the trade deadline. The Ravens should still explore running backs because Edwards is probably best suited as part of a committee rather than a lead back, but he is a good player and will do if the Ravens can't add anyone.

They're the best team in the NFL's best division.

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