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[Baltimore Ravens]

Rashod Bateman named Ravens’ most underappreciated player entering 2025 season

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

Rashod Bateman had a little bit of a breakout in 2024 as he finished first among Ravens wide receivers with nine touchdowns.

After being selected in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, wide receiver Rashod Bateman has had a slow start to what many thought would be a strong professional career seeing as he was drafted to be Lamar Jackson’s next go-to wide receiver. However, through his first three seasons in the NFL (and injuries did take a toll, to be fair), he totaled just 1,167 yards, four touchdowns, and 93 receptions in 34 games played.

That’s a good SINGLE season for a wideout in the NFL. But across three separate seasons? Not so much.

In his first season after the Ravens signed All-Pro running back Derrick Henry, Batemon seemed to find his stride. During the 2024 campaign, Bateman caught 45 passes for a career-high 756 yards and nine touchdowns. His scores were good for second on the team, only behind tight end Mark Andrews who caught 11.

His most recent efforts have helped silence some doubters around the league that may have already written him off this early. But for NFL.com’s Tom Blair, he believes Batemon is now the most underappreciated player for the Ravens entering the 2025 season.

Here are all of Blair’s thoughts:

“Most NFL wide receivers are going to be kept off this list by their high Q Scores — except in Baltimore, where wideouts tend to play second, third and fourth fiddle to running backs, tight ends and, duh, Lamar Jackson. If you’re a secondary receiver, like Bateman, well, you’re gonna have to search the back room for fiddle No. 5. Bateman was drafted with a first-round pick (No. 27 overall) in 2021 but spent most of his early career on the fringes of the offensive picture, thanks in large part to injuries that cost him big chunks of Years 1 and 2. So his elevation to productive WR2 in 2024 (he posted 45 catches, 756 receiving yards and nine receiving TDs, all personal highs) counts as a true breakout. He also tallied 35 receiving first downs, marking the first time in Jackson’s career that more than two Baltimore pass-catchers posted 30 or more (Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews were the others). It is probably not a coincidence that Jackson hit new heights as a passer in 2024, performing so well that it felt like an upset when he didn’t win a second consecutive MVP. The signing of DeAndre Hopkins might suppress Bateman’s numbers a bit in 2025; then again, the addition of a more famous name to the position group chart only solidifies Bateman’s spot here.”

What do you all think? Does Batemon deserve the tag as the Ravens’ most underappreciated player? Is there another player that deserves to be on this list more? Let us know all of your thoughts in the comments below!

Biggest Rashod Bateman “I’m him” moments?
I’ll start: pic.twitter.com/fNyE1AkqQ9

— FlowersMuse (@Flowersmusee) May 2, 2025​

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ateman-lamar-jackson-zay-flowers-mark-andrews

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

The Ravens voted to keep the tush push. Do you agree?

Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images

The NFL finally voted to keep or ban the tush push. The Ravens — among 10 total teams — kept the play. Do you agree with them?

On Wednesday, the NFL voted to either keep or ban the infamous tush push. The NFL needed 24 votes to ban the play, but only 22 teams voted to ban.

The Baltimore Ravens were one of the 10 dissenting teams to keep the play, but the debate over the play rages on.

So, today’s Question of the Day is:

Do you agree or disagree with the Ravens keeping the tush push play?​

My answer: I agree with the Ravens.

I’m going to give a bit of a stretch comparison here, but stick with me.

In 2015, the Carolina Panthers were terrorizing the NFL. They finished the regular season 15-1, with Cam Newton and Co. obliterating teams. Criticism surrounded them as they celebrated, danced and “dabbed” on their opponents. Some loathed the Panthers for it while the argument in support was if you don’t want them celebrating, stop them. I was in the latter.

I equate this similarly. If you don’t want an offense running the tush push on 3rd & 1, deny them from getting within one yard on first and second down.

No, it’s not easy. But it isn’t the fault of the Philadelphia Eagles or other offenses from running it. On 3rd & 1, teams have long ran quarterback sneak to gain an extra yard. The only difference is the Eagles have a top-tier sneaking QB, top-tier offensive line and all-around structure for it.

Furthermore, as a fan of an AFC North team, to ban an offensive play cause teams struggle to stop it feels soft. Teams built themselves to run it. So, have a defense formidable enough to contest. No, it isn’t easy. But, denying them from the one-yard battle is how you deny teams from doing so.

What say you, Ravens fans? Do you support the tush push? Do you dislike it? Leave a comment below!

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...vens-voted-to-keep-the-tush-push-do-you-agree

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Top veteran safeties the Ravens could sign to bolster their secondary

Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Last week, the Baltimore Ravens received unfortunate news on the injury front when Ar’Darius Washington suffered a torn Achilles during offseason conditioning. Washington was an X-factor for the team’s defense last season, assuming a starting safety role and emerging as a key playmaker as the year progressed.

While the Ravens did draft safety Malaki Starks with their first-round pick this year, the hope was that the rookie could work in tandem with Washington and Kyle Hamilton as a versatile trio. Instead, now Starks will be set to fill Washington’s shoes alongside Hamilton as the starting safety duo.

Starks is an NFL-ready prospect and should be more than up to the challenge. However, the Ravens are now absent an established No. 3 safety on their roster. This role carries more importance for the Ravens than most teams given their appetite for multiple-safety sets and versatility in the secondary. Deploying an extra safety also allows Hamilton to more freely roam in the defensive backfield and play closer to the line of scrimmage.

The top in-house candidates to step into this role are Sanoussi Kane and Beau Brade, who are both rising sophomores. Kane was a seventh-round pick in 2024 while Brade was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Maryland before making the 53-man roster. Neither player made a significant impact in their rookie year, so are unproven commodities at the moment.

Given these factors, it’s likely the Ravens will look to add a veteran safety into the mix this summer. With this in mind, who are some of the top free agents still available that could be targets for the Ravens?

---

FS Justin Simmons​

Simmons is the most prominent big-name safety still unsigned. The former All-Pro was released by the Atlanta Falcons after just one season with the team. He’s going on 32 years old and while his prime years may be in the rear view, he’s still a starter-level player with a well-rounded skill set. He’d be a seamless fit in Baltimore but might have too high of a price tag for the Ravens to sign him.

S Chuck Clark​

If the Ravens are looking for a familiar face to return, they could find one in signing Chuck Clark. The 30-year-old was a four-year starter for the Ravens and valuable defensive leader before being traded to the New York Jets in 2023. Clark missed the 2023 season with a torn ACL but started 12 games last season. He may not provide the same on-field impact as some other options but is a trusted veteran and could be a good mentor figure for Starks.

FS Jordan Whitehead ​

Whitehead has started 101 of 105 games for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jets over his seven total seasons. He’s still 28 years old, too. He’s been a consistent contributor for several years now and possesses positional versatility, which fits the profile of what the Ravens look for. He missed the second half of the 2024 season after suffering a torn pectoral injury but has otherwise been durable throughout his career.

SS Quandre Diggs ​

Diggs is 32 years old with 10 seasons under his belt, having started 120 games total for three different teams. He’s only a few years removed from having made three straight Pro Bowl appearances with the Seattle Seahawks from 2020-222. In eight games for the Tennessee Titans last year, Diggs recorded 42 combined tackles. His 73.2 PFF grade ranked 28th among all qualifying safeties.

Other notable available free agents:

• Julian Blackman
• Marcus Williams
• Marcus Maye
• Jordan Poyer
• Ronnie Harrison

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...bolster-their-secondary-baltimore-free-agents

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Which game presents the toughest challenge on the Ravens’ schedule?

Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Another trip to Kansas City

As members of the brutal AFC North, the Baltimore Ravens are no strangers to tough schedules. 2025 looks no different, with the Ravens facing five of the final eight playoff teams from last season in addition to the usual gauntlet of divisional games.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

Which game presents the toughest challenge on the Ravens’ schedule?​

My answer: Week 4 vs. Kansas City Chiefs

The Ravens will face the Chiefs on the road in Arrowhead Stadium again this year after a nail-biting loss there in Week 1 of last season. This will be the sixth regular season meeting between the two teams in the Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson era, and the seventh overall when you add in the 2023 AFC Championship. Baltimore is 1-5 against Kansas City during that span, with their lone win coming in 2021 at M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday Night Football.

As if facing the Chiefs in Kansas City was not hard enough, the Ravens will do so on a short week after playing the Detroit Lions on Monday Night Football in Week 3. The Lions finished as the No. 1 seed in the NFC last season and were tied with the Chiefs for the best record in the NFL at 15-2. So, Baltimore will be facing the NFL’s top two regular-season teams from 2024 in the span of six days.

The Ravens will surely be fired up to get another crack at the defending AFC champs after consecutive heartbreaking losses to them.

Which game do you think presents the toughest challenge on the Ravens’ schedule? Scroll down to the comment section and let us know!

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ravens-schedule-lamar-jackson-patrick-mahomes

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

What is the biggest trap game on the Ravens schedule in 2025?

Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images

In the NFL, a “trap game” is commonly used to describe a matchup where a superior team that is favored to win could play down to their competition against an inferior opponent. It can be easy to identify potential trap games ahead of time or not realize it’s happening until the actual game occurs.

For the Baltimore Ravens, like most other teams, they’ve been victim to this situation plenty of times before. While the Ravens have been one of the league’s most successful regular season teams in recent years, they’ve still fallen short of expectations in some contests where they were heavily favored or widely expected to win easily.

Trap games can be influenced by different factors, such as the time and location of the game or when it occurs within a team’s schedule. At the same time, any squad can merely just play poorly in a given matchup at random, too.

Question of the Day: What is the biggest trap game on the Ravens 2025 schedule? ​

My answer: Ravens @ Dolphins, Week 8

This is probably the most common answer given we’ve seen the Ravens fall flat in this exact same spot a few years ago. In 2021, the Ravens played a road game against the Dolphins on Thursday night and lost 22-10. They notably struggled mightily offensively and had no answers for Miami’s blitz-heavy defensive scheme in that matchup.

Since then, the Ravens have become one of the most efficient passing offenses in the league against the blitz. That’s in large part because of the growth of Lamar Jackson, who last season was elite when facing pressure.

With that being said, though, out of all the matchups on the Ravens’ 2025 schedule, traveling to Miami on another Thursday night profiles as a potential trap game once again.

The Dolphins are projected by many to be middle-of-the-pack team in the AFC this coming season. However, they’re still a dangerous opponent given their high-powered offensive talent. They have one of the league’s best wide receiver duos in Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, a productive tight end in Jonnu Smith, and a dynamic young running back, De’Von Achane. Tua Tagovailoa has proven to be a more-than-capable passer, too.

The Ravens and Dolphins have an interesting recent history of matchups. Since 2019, they’ve split 2-2 in four total contests. In 2019, the Ravens blew them out in the season opener by a score of 59-10. Two years ago, they similarly dominated the Dolphins but this time at home — scoring 56 points and winning by 37 points. In between these, the Dolphins beat the Ravens twice in a row: the aforementioned 22-10 win in 2021 and a memorable four-point win in 2022, where the Dolphins erased a three-possession deficit in Baltimore.

The Ravens will likely be favored in this game by a good margin and while they’re the superior team, playing on the road in a short week is a disadvantageous spot. Prior to this game, the Ravens are hosting the Chicago Bears in their first game following the bye week, so they could potentially be riding high after a big win.

Do you think this is the biggest trap game on the Ravens schedule or another matchup instead? Chime in with your thoughts below!

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...schedule-in-2025-baltimore-miami-dolphins-nfl

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Ar’Darius Washington expected to return from torn Achilles this season

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Baltimore Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington said he’s aiming to return before the end of the 2025 NFL season.

On May 12, Baltimore Ravens safety Ar’Darius Washington reportedly suffered a torn Achilles, which all but ruled him out for the 2025 season. But according to Head Coach John Harbaugh during OTA media availability, the timeline has changed.

“It was a clean tear, if you want to call it that. So, it’s one of those ones that’s a more quick-healing version. So, Ar’Darius tells me that he’ll be back in November and he’s always been a quick healer, so I’m looking at November or December in my mind. So yes, we’re counting on him being back. But it’s speculation. Nobody’s going to work harder. He got back from the foot last time, really quick. He’s become a really good player. I’m going to say a great player. He’s really become a great player.”

If Washington were to return in the final stretch, it would be a significant addition for the back-half of the Ravens’ schedule. If he returns in late November and can play in December, that would mean he’s available for the final-season stretch against the Pittsburgh Steelers, Cincinnati Bengals, New England Patriots, Green Bay Packers and Week 18 at the Steelers. It would also give him enough time to ramp back into form as the Ravens expect to push for a deep playoff run and break through.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...cted-to-return-from-torn-achilles-this-season

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Three different NFL data projection models expect the Ravens to be elite

Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images

Data experts and projection models all see the Ravens among the upper echelon of NFL teams in 2025.

For the third time this offseason, an analytics-based model forecasting the 2025 season has been published and the results indicate the Ravens should be in the upper echelon of teams. Most recently, it’s ESPN with their Football Power Index for the 2025 season.

“The NFL’s 2025 oligarchy consists of a clear top tier: the Eagles, Chiefs, Ravens, Lions and Bills,” ESPN’s Seth Walder wrote. “These teams are separated by at most a single point in FPI rating, meaning none of them would be favored by more than a single point over another on a neutral field... The common theme between the top five teams? Offensive strength. That’s right, the ‘defense wins championships’ cliché isn’t reflected here. Offense is more stable from game to game and season to season, so teams with the best past quarterback and offensive production are more likely to repeat that success. That’s critical because the point of the FPI is to look ahead, not back. It’s no coincidence that the top five teams also have the five best offenses according to the FPI, albeit in a different order.”

According to the model, the Ravens have the fourth-best chance to win the Super Bowl (9%). However, the model has the Ravens vs. Eagles as the second-most likely Super Bowl LX matchup.

About two weeks ago with the schedule release, the “Austin Mock’s NFL Projection Model” was announced. They simulated the 2025 NFL regular season 100,000 times and topping their list were the Ravens.

“The Baltimore Ravens have the highest odds to win the Super Bowl at 11.9 percent, according to the model. The Buffalo Bills, at 10.1 percent, have the second-best projection, representing a fairly significant gap between the Ravens and the field, Jeff Howe wrote. “The Ravens’ biggest hurdle appears to be the strong competition in the AFC North. They have a 55.2 percent chance to win the division, which is only the fifth-highest mark in the league. It’s not all that surprising. The Ravens have won 25 regular-season games over the past two seasons, with quarterback Lamar Jackson winning an MVP in 2023 and nearly claiming the award again in 2024. They get electric play out of the most important position, still have their core in place and will be well-coached. Expect the Ravens to be a force once again next season.”

If you think 100k simulations is a lot, wait until NFL Network’s Analytics Expert Cynthia Frelund’s projection. She states she ran one million simulations for the 2025 regular season. And once more, the Ravens were the top team.

“The Ravens begin by playing their three most difficult projected matchups of the season within the first four weeks: Week 1 at the Bills on Sunday Night Football, Week 3 vs. the Lions on Monday Night Football and Week 4 at the Chiefs,” Frelund wrote. “One late-season game to circle is the Week 17 showdown with the Packers at Lambeau Field. This could be pivotal for both teams, in terms of playoff seeding — Baltimore is likely to be contending for the AFC’s top seed and lone playoff bye. My model forecasts Lamar Jackson and Co. to pace the conference by 0.2 wins.”

The Ravens are a great football team. Once again, it’s about them putting it together in the postseason and solving their lapses in the single-elimination playoffs.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...ojection-models-expect-the-ravens-to-be-elite

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

2 Ravens crack Top 10 of PFF’s tight end rankings for 2025

Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

High recognition for the Ravens’ tight end duo of Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely

For the past few seasons, the Baltimore Ravens’ tight end room has been widely considered one of the league’s best cores at the position. Led by Mark Andrews and 2022 draft picks Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar, the Ravens have a well-rounded group.

Andrews has been well-established as an elite tight end in the NFL for several years now and Likely is beginning to emerge as a rising star. In PFF’s recent Top 32 tight end rankings ahead of the 2025 season, both players were listed in the Top 10. Andrews was ranked No. 4 and Likely came in at the No. 9 spot.

For comparison, in PFF’s 2024 rankings last year Andrews ranked No. 3 and Likely ranked much further down at No. 26.

“While the final impression Andrews left in last season’s playoffs was not good, he remains one of the best tight ends in the NFL when healthy” wrote PFF’s John Kosko. “Andrews entered the NFL and shined in a limited role as a rookie and has not posted a sub-80.0 regular-season PFF overall grade since.”

As Kosko notes, Andrews’ 2024 season ended on a sour note. His crucial lost fumble and dropped two-point conversion pass in the fourth quarter of the Ravens’ playoff loss in Buffalo were memorable for the wrong reason. That translated into an offseason full of trade rumors and speculation that the Ravens could look to move on from him.

Despite diminished vibes, Andrews is still a high-level contributor and important piece in the team’s offense. While his 55 receptions and 673 receiving yards were the lowest in a 14+ games played season since his rookie year, he recorded a career-high 11 touchdown catches.

His 11 scores last season gave him 51 total for his career, which made him the team’s all-time touchdown leader in franchise history. Andrews is still a valuable security blanket for Lamar Jackson, although the latter is not quite as reliant on him anymore as the Ravens have more options in the passing game.

One of those options is Likely, who is coming off career-best campaign in his third career season.

With Mark Andrews struggling to return from injury at the beginning of the 2024 season, Likely stepped up to provide a security blanket for Lamar Jackson and the Ravens’ offense” Kosko wrote. “As Andrews worked his way to 100%, Likely became less of a focal point but still showcased true top-tier skills and talent at the position, earning a career-high 77.0 PFF receiving grade in 2024.”

To Kosko’s point, Likely’s production leveled off as the regular season progressed and Andrews re-acclimated himself returning from injury. However, he particularly began and ended the year with a bang. In Week 1, Likely caught nine passes for 111 yards and a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs. He was the team’s leading receiver in the playoffs and recorded 73 yards with a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Round 2.

For the season as a whole, Likely posted career-highs in receptions (42), receiving yards (477), and touchdown catches (six). He showcased elite athleticism and receiving abilities in key spots while also improving significantly as a run-blocker and pass-blocker. These efforts contributed to him making a 15-spot jump in PFF’s rankings.

Expectations are now higher for the former fourth-round pick entering 2025. Head Coach John Harbaugh even said recently that he wants Likely to become an All-Pro player, which could signal that his offensive role will continue to increase in a big way this coming season.

Whether that spells a decreased role for Andrews remains to be seen, but both players have proven they can co-exist as a premier tight end duo in the team’s passing attack regardless.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...for-2025-baltimore-mark-andrews-isaiah-likely

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Odafe Oweh reveals he added around 20 pounds of muscle this offseason

Jessica Rapfogel-USA TODAY Sports

Oweh is entering a contract season

Ravens outside linebacker Odafe Oweh decided to transform his body ahead of a pivotal contract season. The former first-round pick revealed that he added around 20 pounds of muscle this offseason, going from 245 to 265 in hopes to take his game to another level after finishing with a career-high 10 sacks in 2024.

Oweh said he made the decision to add weight after the team’s loss to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs.

“I didn’t have the outing I wanted,” Oweh said. “I thought a lot of that had to do with my weight and being able to be stout in certain positions. So, as soon as the season was done, I went to Miami, started eating, lifting and then gaining weight, basically.”

Oweh said that people have suggested he could add some extra muscle in the past, but that he was hesitant before this offseason.

“I was always trying to keep my speed, but my speed hasn’t diminished,” Oweh said.

Bulked up Odafe Oweh, who gained 20 pounds this offseason. pic.twitter.com/mPVtPfY2pR

— Ryan Mink (@ryanmink) May 28, 2025​

Oweh has flashed the ability to be a premier edge rusher, but a lack of consistency has held him back from joining the upper echelon of players at the position. He now enters Year 5 with a lucrative contract on the horizon if he can take the next step on the field.

Oweh and veteran Kyle Van Noy will lead the charge at outside linebacker this year, with rookie second-round pick Mike Green looking to play a pivotal role as well. Tavius Robinson, Adisa Isaac, David Ojabo, and Malik Hamm are other notable names behind them. The Ravens could also choose to add another cheap veteran to the mix before the start of the season, as general manager Eric DeCosta has had great success with doing so in recent years.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...muscle-this-offseason-mike-green-kyle-van-noy

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Malaki Starks predicted to win rookie of the year; but do oddsmakers agree?

Photo by Logan Bowles/Getty Images

Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr predicts Baltimore Ravens safety Malaki Starks will win AP NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. But oddsmakers aren’t in agreement.

Earlier this month, Baltimore Beatdown asked fans which rookie Raven has the best chance to win a Rookie of the Year award. Overwhelmingly, fans believed if any of their rookie class had a chance, it was second-round outside linebacker Mike Green.

I myself stated Green had the best chance, too, seeing as seven of the past ten winners were edge rushers and the remaining three were cornerbacks. Defensive awards are all about gaudy stats rather than what isn’t reflected from the numbers. But Sports Illustrated’s Conor Orr is a believer that first-round safety Malaki Starks will be the winner.

“The safety out of Georgia will run up the score with a top-five interception total in the league and flex his all-around playmaking ability in a Baltimore defense that steamrolls opponents, finishing fourth in EPA per play—a sizable jump from an 11th-place finish last season,” Orr wrote.

It’s totally likely Starks could rapidly be among the NFL’s elite safeties. Starks alone is a multi-talented defensive weapon. Paired with safety Kyle Hamilton — the NFL’s best safety and multi-talented star — there is no limit to what Starks can achieve. But the oddsmakers at FanDuel Sportsbook aren’t in agreement.

AP Defensive Rookie of the Year odds​

1. EDGE Abdul Carter (+250)
2. EDGE Jalon Walker (+700)
3. DB Travis Hunter (+1,000)
4. EDGE Mykel Williams (+1,000)
5. EDGE Shemar Stewart (+1,200)
6. DL Mason Graham (+1,200)
7. EDGE Mike Green (+1,500)
8. ILB Jihaad Campbell (+1,500)
9. EDGE James Pearce Jr. (+1,600)
10. S Malaki Starks (+2,000)
11. DB Jahdae Barron (+2,000)

While the oddsmakers don’t agree, movement has been made in Starks’ favor. On May 9, Starks was No. 14 in odds at +2,500. Now, he’s up to No. 10 at +2,000, a noticeable leap. So, while he’s still far from being favored, there’s growing believe he could be among the better ranks, especially after the loss of safety Ar’Darius Washington.

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...in-rookie-of-the-year-but-do-oddsmakers-agree

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

Derrick Henry ranked No. 1 in PFF’s Top 32 running backs for 2025

Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images

The King reclaims his throne in PFF’s annual running back list

Derrick Henry has been well-established as one of the league’s best running backs for some time now. Since he entered the NFL in 2016, Henry has more rushing production than any other player. Now 31 years old, Henry has staved off any anticipated drop-off in performance and proved last season that he’s still at the peak of his powers.

In his first year with the Baltimore Ravens, Henry rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns with a career-high mark in yards per carry (5.9). He totaled 94 first down runs and crossed the 100-yard threshold in 10 games, including the postseason. His efforts earned him a lucrative two-year contract extension with the Ravens this offseason.

Unsurprisingly, Henry is once again receiving high national recognition. In Pro Football Focus’ recent annual Top 32 running backs list for 2025, the future Hall of Famer earned the top spot at No. 1 — one place higher than last year where he ranked No. 2 for the 2024 season.

Even at 31 years old, King Henry is deserving of this list’s No. 1 spot” wrote PFF’s Trevor Sikkema. “He led the NFL in PFF rushing grade in 2024 (93.5), winning PFF’s Best Runner award ... last season, he forced the most missed tackles (89) and ripped off the second-most runs of 10 yards or more (53).”

As Sikkema notes, Henry’s was not only the top-graded runner in all of football but also caused the most missed tackles with a whopping 89, which tracks with his long history of being a nightmare for defenders. Henry had a 10+ yard rush in all but one game (Week 1) and had a 20+ yard run in 13 games, displaying his breakaway big-play abilities.

Henry was expected to be a seamless fit with Lamar Jackson in the team’s backfield but wound up exceeding expectations. While the Ravens ultimately came up just short in the divisional round of the playoffs, Henry still rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in that game.

The only player with more rushes of double-digit yardage than Henry was Saquon Barkley of the Philadelphia Eagles, who cracked the No. 2 spot on PFF’s rankings. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise for Barkley to be No. 1 instead of Henry given the former rushed for over 2,000 yards last season and was the driving cataylst for the Super Bowl champions.

Nevertheless, both players are undoubtedly the league’s top two players at the position right now. Rounding out the Top 5 of the list is two rising youngsters, Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs, and another veteran in Josh Jacobs. You can view the entire 32-player rankings here.

Do you agree that “King Henry” is the best running back in the league? Join in on the conversation with your thoughts below!

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-running-backs-for-2025-baltimore-ravens-king

 

[Baltimore Ravens]

John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson listed No. 2 in 2025 HC-QB duo rankings

Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images

There’s no questioning the importance of having a good head coach and quarterback combination in the NFL. While the Baltimore Ravens have come up short of their championship aspirations in recent years, they’ve continued to be one of the league’s most successful regular season teams since 2018.

At the forefront of their success during this span is John Harbaugh and Lamar Jackson. According to Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame, the Ravens have the second-best head coach/quarterback duo in the NFL today. Verderame recently ranked Harbaugh-Jackson No. 2 in SI’s list of the Top 32 duos for 2025.

They ranked in the same No. 2 spot in last year’s list from Sports Illustrated, again trailing only Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs.

“The Ravens eventually have to win a Super Bowl during this era of their history to be remembered as having reached their full potential, but there’s no denying Jackson’s excellence” Verderame wrote. “The two-time MVP and three-time All-Pro was magnificent in 2024 . . . Jackson is already a Hall of Famer, but a ring would put him in the upper crust of greats.

As Verderame notes, the Ravens have yet to reach their full potential of winning a Super Bowl in the Jackson era. Their continued winning ways in the regular season has upped the standard so much that anything short of a championship is a diminished achievement.

Nevertheless, Harbaugh and Jackson undoubtedly are still a premier duo in the landscape of the league. Harbaugh has long been considered a top-half head coach even before Jackson’s arrival, but the latter has elevated them as a combination to elite status.

Jackson reached a new apex of performance in 2024 with a historic season. While he wasn’t awarded with league MVP honors, he was named first-team All-Pro after totaling 45 total touchdowns with just four interceptions and over 5,000 combined passing and rushing yards. Like Verderame wrote, Jackson is only a Super Bowl trophy away from entering a new category of all-time greats at quarterback.

The Ravens have won 67% of their regular season games since 2018 (78-38) but are just 3-5 in the postseason, although one of those losses came without Jackson active. Despite having a talented roster and coaching staff during these years, particularly over the past two seasons, the Ravens have struggled to get over the hump in big moments.

Heading into 2025, the Ravens are returning their main core on both sides of the ball and coaching staff from last season. They added some notable pieces in the offseason as well and are reloaded for another bite at the apple to get over the hump come this January.

Do you think Harbaugh and Jackson are the second-best duo in the NFL or should be ranked higher or lower? Share your thoughts below and join in on the conversation!

Source: https://www.baltimorebeatdown.com/2...-2-in-hc-qb-duo-rankings-baltimore-ravens-nfl