With their outstanding offseason moves and championship potential, the Baltimore Ravens start as co-favorites for the 2025 Super Bowl.

As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Baltimore Ravens have positioned themselves as one of the top contenders for the Super Bowl. Coming off a solid 2024 campaign that demonstrated their potential, the Ravens’ offseason moves have been nothing short of impressive. With strategic acquisitions, contract extensions, and a commitment to building on their existing strengths, Baltimore enters the new season as co-favorites to claim the ultimate prize in professional football.

This article will delve into the reasons why the Ravens are starting the 2025 season as Super Bowl co-favorites, examining their offseason moves, their championship potential, and the key factors that could lead them to their third NFL title.

The Ravens’ Strong 2024 Campaign

The Ravens’ 2024 season was a glimpse into what could be a dominant future. Under the leadership of head coach John Harbaugh, the Ravens displayed all the hallmarks of a team capable of making a deep playoff run. Lamar Jackson, the team’s star quarterback, had another MVP-caliber season, displaying his dual-threat ability and continuing to evolve as a passer. The Ravens’ offense, which had been tailored around Jackson’s unique skill set, had one of its most efficient seasons in recent memory, with an impressive mix of running and passing plays.

The defense, long known as one of the NFL’s best, also held strong in 2024. Players like Roquan Smith and Marlon Humphrey anchored the unit, while David Ojabo and Odafe Oweh showed flashes of brilliance, solidifying a formidable pass rush. The Ravens’ special teams remained among the league’s elite, with Justin Tucker continuing to deliver clutch performances in crucial moments.

While the team made a valiant playoff run, falling short in the AFC Championship, the 2024 campaign showed that the Ravens were knocking on the door of greatness. They demonstrated the ability to compete with the best teams in the league, and with the right moves in the offseason, the team seemed poised to take the next step.

Offseason Moves That Have Elevated the Ravens

The 2025 offseason has been crucial for the Ravens, as the team sought to address both short-term and long-term needs. Through shrewd roster moves, including player acquisitions and key contract extensions, the Ravens have bolstered their squad in nearly every area.

1. Lamar Jackson’s Contract Extension

One of the biggest moves of the offseason for the Ravens was securing Lamar Jackson with a long-term contract extension. The star quarterback had been in contract talks for several years, and his future with the team was a key storyline during the offseason. However, the Ravens and Jackson were able to come to terms on a new deal that ensured Jackson would remain the face of the franchise for the foreseeable future.

This extension not only solidified Jackson’s place with the team but also provided the Ravens with salary cap flexibility moving forward. With Jackson under contract, the Ravens can now focus on surrounding him with the talent needed to win a Super Bowl. Jackson’s contract extension was a statement of the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster, and it gave the franchise stability at the most important position in football.

2. Key Free Agent Signings

The Ravens also made several impactful signings during free agency, further strengthening their roster. One of the most notable additions was the signing of Derrick Henry, the former Tennessee Titans running back, who has been one of the NFL’s most dominant players over the past several seasons. Henry’s physicality and ability to control the clock with his punishing running style complement Jackson’s playmaking ability, giving the Ravens one of the most dangerous backfields in the league.

Adding Henry gives the Ravens a proven workhorse back who can wear down defenses, which could be a huge asset as they look to control the tempo of games. With both Jackson and Henry in the backfield, the Ravens can employ a dynamic, two-pronged attack that keeps opposing defenses guessing and exhausted.

In addition to Henry, the Ravens added wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a future Hall of Famer with a proven ability to make spectacular catches and stretch defenses. The addition of Hopkins elevates the Ravens’ receiving corps, giving Jackson a legitimate top-tier target to complement Rashod Bateman and Odell Beckham Jr. As much as the Ravens’ offense has relied on their running game in the past, the addition of a true number-one receiver gives Jackson another weapon to keep defenses on their heels.

The Ravens also made moves to strengthen their defense. They signed defensive lineman Javon Hargrave to add depth to their front seven, while also adding safety Jordan Poyer to fortify the secondary. Hargrave provides additional pressure up the middle, which should help the pass rush, while Poyer’s veteran leadership and ability to make plays on the ball will be a key asset in the back end.

3. Drafting for the Future

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Ravens continued to build for both the present and the future, selecting players who could make an immediate impact. One of their most significant draft picks was wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, a standout from Ohio State who has the potential to be a game-changer in the Ravens’ offense. With Jackson’s development as a passer, the addition of a young, talented receiver like Smith-Njigba ensures that the Ravens are equipped with an explosive passing attack to complement their strong running game.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ravens selected cornerback Kelee Ringo from Georgia. Ringo’s athleticism and ability to shut down opposing wide receivers give the Ravens a young corner to pair with Marlon Humphrey as they look to continue their dominance on defense. The addition of Ringo bolsters a defense that already has one of the league’s best secondaries.

Championship Potential for the Ravens

Given their offseason moves and the existing talent on the roster, the Baltimore Ravens have the potential to not just contend for a Super Bowl but to be the favorites for it. Here are some reasons why the Ravens’ championship window is wide open:

1. Lamar Jackson’s Growth as a Quarterback

Lamar Jackson has always been a dynamic playmaker, known for his unique ability to make defenders miss with his legs and arm. However, over the past few years, Jackson has grown as a quarterback, improving his passing accuracy and understanding of defenses. With the added weapons around him, including DeAndre Hopkins and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Jackson has the potential to elevate his game to new heights.

With a receiving corps that now has legitimate top-tier options and a proven backfield with Henry, Jackson has the tools to be even more effective as a passer, making the Ravens a much more dangerous offense. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground gives the Ravens the type of dual-threat offense that is difficult for any team to stop, especially when combined with a defense that can stifle opposing offenses.

2. A Balanced and Explosive Offense

With the addition of Henry, the Ravens now have a power running game to complement their high-flying passing attack. The combination of Jackson’s ability to break off huge runs and Henry’s ability to wear down defenses creates a potent offensive weapon that can control the clock and keep opposing defenses guessing.

Moreover, the Ravens now have a much-improved receiving corps with the addition of Hopkins and Smith-Njigba. These weapons allow the offense to diversify its attack, making it more unpredictable and difficult to defend against. If Jackson can continue to develop as a passer, the Ravens’ offense will become even more explosive and difficult to contain.

3. A Dominant Defense

While the Ravens’ offense has been the focus of much of the offseason discussion, the defense remains one of the most formidable in the league. With players like Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey, Calais Campbell, and Patrick Queen, the Ravens have the talent to control the line of scrimmage, disrupt the passing game, and make key plays in critical moments.

Adding players like Hargrave and Poyer adds depth and experience to the defense, giving them even more playmaking ability. The Ravens have always been known for their defense, and they remain one of the most complete teams on that side of the ball.