October 20, 2025

Lamar Jackson’s Crucial Return for Baltimore Ravens’ Playoff Hopes

News Summary

Lamar Jackson is poised to return for the Baltimore Ravens as they aim to salvage their playoff chances this season. The former MVP candidate has missed crucial games due to injury, greatly affecting the team’s performance. With a dismal record of 1-5 in his absence, Jackson’s leadership is vital. The Ravens are optimistic about his return in Week 8 against the Chicago Bears. A successful comeback could not only stabilize the team but also reignite his MVP candidacy, making the upcoming weeks critical for both Jackson and the Ravens.

Baltimore

Lamar Jackson’s return to the field is crucial for the Baltimore Ravens as they fight to keep their playoff hopes alive this season. The former two-time MVP candidate has been sidelined due to a hamstring injury since Week 4, during a game against the Kansas City Chiefs. The impact of his absence has been glaring, with the Ravens managing only a single victory and suffering five losses (1-5) during this stretch, highlighting the critical role he plays on the team.

Jackson’s injury has led to a significant decline in offensive production. The Ravens registered a mere 13 points in the two games Jackson missed, demonstrating the severe challenges the team faces without its star quarterback. However, the Ravens are currently on a bye week and are optimistic about Jackson’s return in Week 8, where they will face the Chicago Bears.

In addition to Jackson’s injury, the Ravens’ overall struggles have been exacerbated by a defense ranked among the worst in the NFL, which could potentially impact Jackson’s bid for MVP should he return to the field. Despite the team’s difficulties, if Jackson can successfully lead the Ravens back into contention for a playoff spot, it may significantly boost his standing in the MVP race. Historically, the team has averaged only 16.6 points per game without Jackson, underscoring his importance to their success.

MVP Candidates

Before his injury, Jackson was a formidable MVP contender, displaying impressive skills and leadership abilities on the field. He currently ranks fifth in the NFL in Total QBR with a score of 72.8, reaffirming his value when active. However, the competition for the MVP award is fierce. Other strong candidates include:

Baker Mayfield of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, known for his late-game heroics, although questions remain regarding his overall consistency.
Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs, the current betting favorite, is a two-time MVP winner, recently showcasing his talent with a win over the Las Vegas Raiders.
Josh Allen, the reigning MVP, has seen his chances dim after two consecutive losses, including a subpar performance during Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons.

Team Challenges

Compounding the Ravens’ issues, the team is managing substantial injuries, with a total of nine players currently on their injury list, encompassing several key contributors to both offense and defense. Jackson himself has struggled with injuries in previous seasons and has already been sacked 15 times this season.

To address the defensive woes, Defensive Coordinator Zach Orr has been encouraged to bring back Dean Pees as a senior advisor to provide additional guidance and expertise.

Looking Ahead

The Ravens’ schedule between Weeks 8 and 15 offers a mix of challenging opponents, with the only team boasting a winning record being the Pittsburgh Steelers. This makes Jackson’s return even more pressing, as the Ravens seek to regain their footing in a competitive playoff landscape.

If Jackson can bring the Ravens back to their previously high-scoring levels upon his return, he may not only reestablish the Ravens as a legitimate playoff contender but also reignite his candidacy for the MVP award. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on Jackson’s performance and the Ravens’ response.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Ravens Prepare for Key Player Returns After Bye Week
Ravens Struggle with Injuries and Poor Performances During Bye Week
67-Year-Old Man Missing After Crabbing Incident in Baltimore County
Ravens Fall to Rams, Fans Demand Coaching Changes
Ravens Struggle with 1-5 Record Following Loss to Rams
Rams Secure Victory Over Ravens with Strong Defense
Ravens Suffer Another Defeat, Falling to Rams 17-3
Rams Secure Victory Over Ravens Amid Offensive Struggles
Baltimore Ravens Struggle with Loss and Injuries
Los Angeles Rams Defeat Baltimore Ravens 17-3 in Key Game

Additional Resources

Author: STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

The BALTIMORE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREBaltimore.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Baltimore, Baltimore County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Baltimore Book Festival, Preakness Stakes, and Artscape. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Baltimore Chamber of Commerce and Visit Baltimore, plus leading businesses in shipping and healthcare that power the local economy such as the Port of Baltimore and Johns Hopkins Medicine. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Maryland's dynamic landscape.

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STAFF HERE BALTIMORE WRITER

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