The Baltimore Ravens have been one of the NFL’s biggest disappointments during the first half of the 2025 season. They’ve suffered through both injuries and a general decline in performance through their first seven games, and have limped out to a 2-5 start and are just a half game above the last-place Cleveland Browns in the AFC North.
But with MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson set to return to action as early as this week, there is more than a hint of optimism, especially with the oddsmakers and prediction markets.
Return Of Lamar Jackson Brings Optimism To Ravens
The team’s biggest troubles have been caused by Jackson’s absence. While they didn’t exactly play well with him in the lineup, their offensive production has, predictably, suffered without him. Cooper Rush started in Weeks 5 and 6, and the Ravens were outscored 61-13 in the two contests. Rush threw four interceptions, and Baltimore lost both games.
After a merciful bye week, Tyler “Snoop” Huntley started on Sunday against the Chicago Bears, and the results have kept the team’s season alive. The Ravens pulled off a big 30-16 win to pick up just their second victory of the season, moving them to 2-5 on the year.
Two factors have shifted betting lines and prediction markets since Sunday afternoon. First, Lamar Jackson is on track to return to action when Baltimore takes on the Miami Dolphins on Thursday night, which instantly shifts the dynamic of the entire team. Before he suffered his injury in Week 4, he was completing 71.6% of his passes, which would be a career-high, and was on pace to have a 4/1 touchdown-to-interception ratio for the second-straight season.
Favorable Schedule Is 5th-Softest In The NFL
The other reason for optimism is the upcoming schedule. Based on the winning percentage of their remaining opponents, the Ravens have the 5th-softest schedule down the stretch. The next few weeks may be the best time to get back on track, as their next five games are against the Dolphins, Vikings, Browns, Jets, and Bengals, who currently have a combined record of 11-28.
They’ll have to prove that they can win away from home, though, as their next three games will all be played on the road.
Betting Odds & Prediction Models Shift Baltimore’s Way
Despite their current 2-5 record, the Ravens are now the favorites to win the AFC North for the third straight season. Due to that soft schedule as well as the struggles of the division’s other three teams, Baltimore is now listed with a designation of -145, implied odds of just under 60%.
Playoff predictor models also give them a favorable chance of qualifying for the postseason. According to The Athletic’s “NFL Playoff Simulator”, Jackson and company have a 55% chance of making the playoffs, and a 53% chance of winning the North.
For their upcoming game against the Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, the Ravens are 7.5-point favorites.
