It’s not new for the Baltimore Ravens during the Lamar Jackson era to go into the playoffs looking like they were ready to win a Super Bowl.

Baltimore was probably the NFL’s best team at the end of the 2019 and 2023 seasons but the Ravens fell short in the playoffs and didn’t reach a Super Bowl. It’s hard to argue that they are the best team this season (though DVOA is very high on Baltimore). But the Ravens might be the NFL’s hottest club and have worked their way into the group of championship contenders.

The difference has been defense. The Ravens were the NFL’s worst passing defense early in the season, but that has dramatically changed. A strategic shift of using All-Pro Kyle Hamilton at free safety rather than near the line coincided with a big turnaround. The Ravens completely shut down the Houston Texans with a 31-2 win in Week 17. That was a statement win. The offense has been great with Jackson having a historic season and Derrick Henry adding a missing piece. If the Ravens’ defense can play at a championship level, too, Baltimore will be dangerous and certainly capable of winning it all. The Ravens just have to finally get it done when it matters most.

Here are the power rankings after Week 17 of the NFL season: