2026 Baltimore Ravens Season Outlook

The Baltimore Ravens enter the 2026 season as one of the AFC’s most compelling rebound candidates.

Baltimore finished a disappointing 8-9 in 2025 and missed the playoffs despite entering the year with championship expectations. Injuries damaged the defensive front, the pass rush fell to 30 sacks, and a poor start left the Ravens trying to recover for most of the season. The disappointing finish brought the end of John Harbaugh’s long tenure and the arrival of former Michigan and Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter as head coach.

The roster remains built to win immediately. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith form a veteran star core. Baltimore also made one of the offseason’s most important additions by signing Trey Hendrickson, then used its first two draft selections on guard Vega Ioane and edge defender Zion Young.

The Ravens have enough talent to win the AFC North and contend for the Super Bowl. Their season will depend on three issues:

• How quickly Jackson and the offense adapt to new coordinator Declan Doyle.
• Whether a reconstructed offensive line can protect Jackson.
• Whether Minter can restore the defense’s pressure and situational consistency.

Offense

Quarterback

Lamar Jackson remains Baltimore’s most important player and one of the league’s most difficult individual matchups.

Jackson’s speed changes the mathematics of every defensive front. Opponents must account for him as a designed runner, scramble threat and play-action passer, frequently forcing a safety or linebacker to remain involved near the line of scrimmage. That creates favorable throwing opportunities for Flowers, Andrews and the outside receivers.

His passing development has made the offense substantially more complete than it was earlier in his career. Jackson can attack intermediate zones, throw accurately outside structure and punish defenses that overcommit to stopping the run.

The transition to Doyle creates both opportunity and uncertainty. Doyle worked under Ben Johnson in Chicago and is expected to incorporate additional formation variation, motion and defined passing answers without removing the quarterback-run and option concepts that make Jackson unique. Baltimore should attempt to make the offense easier for Jackson before the snap rather than asking him to rescue plays after protection breaks down.

The central concern is availability. Jackson’s movement skills allow him to avoid many direct hits, but the offense still asks him to carry a substantial physical and mental workload. Baltimore must remain selective with designed quarterback runs during the regular season.

Tyler Huntley returns as the primary backup. His familiarity with Jackson, the roster and the organization makes him a logical reserve, and the Ravens re-signed him to a multiyear contract. Skylar Thompson and other camp quarterbacks provide additional competition.

Huntley can reproduce some of the running structure, but a prolonged Jackson absence would substantially reduce the team’s championship probability.

Running back

Derrick Henry returns as the offensive backfield’s physical centerpiece.

Even in the later stage of his career, Henry remains one of the league’s most intimidating runners. His size forces defensive backs to tackle differently, while his acceleration allows him to convert small openings into long gains. Playing beside Jackson prevents defenses from committing completely to Henry because the backside defender must respect the quarterback keep.

That combination remains exceptionally difficult to defend:

• Crashing toward Henry creates running space for Jackson.
• Widening toward Jackson gives Henry cleaner interior lanes.
• Adding a safety to the box creates one-on-one passing opportunities.
• Playing lighter personnel risks being physically overwhelmed.

The concern is age and accumulated workload. Henry should continue receiving the majority of high-value carries, but Baltimore needs to preserve him for December and January.

Justice Hill remains the primary passing-down option. His protection reliability and receiving ability make him valuable in obvious passing situations. Rasheen Ali and fifth-round rookie Adam Randall will compete for the third role.

Randall is particularly interesting. A converted wide receiver at 6-foot-3 and approximately 231 pounds, he gives Baltimore size, receiving experience and kickoff-return potential. The Ravens expect Henry and Hill to handle most offensive work, leaving Randall and Ali to compete through special teams and situational snaps.

Keaton Mitchell’s departure removes the backfield’s fastest pure home-run threat. Baltimore may compensate by using Flowers, Devontez Walker or younger receivers on manufactured touches.

Wide receiver

Zay Flowers remains the clear No. 1 receiver.

Flowers’ quickness, change of direction and ability after the catch make him effective from nearly every alignment. Minter has publicly emphasized finding as many ways as possible to get the ball into Flowers’ hands, suggesting increased use of motion, screens and backfield alignments.

Rashod Bateman returns as the other projected starter. Bateman gives Baltimore a larger outside target with vertical ability, but consistency and availability remain important. The offense needs him to win isolated matchups when defenses devote additional coverage to Flowers and Andrews.

The loss of DeAndre Hopkins removes veteran contested-catch and red-zone experience. Tylan Wallace also left for Cleveland. Baltimore responded by drafting two larger receivers:

• Ja’Kobi Lane, selected in the third round.
• Elijah Sarratt, selected in the fourth round.

Both were productive touchdown scorers in college and offer the size to contribute near the goal line. Baltimore’s post-draft projection listed Flowers and Bateman as the starters, with Walker, LaJohntay Wester, Lane and Sarratt behind them.

Walker may be the returning player with the greatest opportunity. His speed can stretch coverage vertically, and a larger role would give Baltimore an explosive outside element that complements Flowers’ underneath movement.

Lane and Sarratt should not be expected to become immediate high-volume receivers, but one could earn a meaningful rotational role. Their development matters because the Ravens lack established production behind Flowers and Bateman.

The room has a wide range of outcomes. Flowers is a proven playmaker, but the rest of the group contains more projection than certainty.

Tight end

Mark Andrews remains one of Jackson’s most trusted players.

Andrews understands how to find openings against zone coverage and remains a major threat on third down and near the goal line. His timing with Jackson cannot be replaced easily, particularly when the quarterback is forced to improvise.

However, the tight-end room underwent major turnover. Isaiah Likely signed with the Giants, and Charlie Kolar joined the Chargers. Patrick Ricard’s departure also removes a fullback who frequently functioned as an additional tight end and offensive lineman.

Baltimore signed Durham Smythe, an experienced blocking tight end familiar with Doyle’s offensive concepts. The Ravens then selected Matt Hibner and Josh Cuevas on Day 3 of the draft.

Hibner is expected to receive opportunities in the receiving role previously occupied by Likely. Cuevas is a more balanced developmental option who can contribute as an H-back or attached tight end. The Ravens may keep four tight ends because they no longer have Ricard to fill the fullback and hybrid-blocker role.

The unit is less proven behind Andrews but still versatile. Smythe should help the running game, while Hibner’s ability to threaten coverage could become one of the offense’s most important rookie developments.

Offensive line

The offensive line is Baltimore’s greatest offensive concern.

The projected group entering camp is:

• Left tackle: Ronnie Stanley
• Left guard: John Simpson or Vega Ioane
• Center: Ethan Pocic, Danny Pinter or another competitor
• Right guard: Vega Ioane, John Simpson or Andrew Vorhees
• Right tackle: Roger Rosengarten

Stanley remains a high-quality pass protector when healthy. Rosengarten has developed into the likely long-term starter on the right side.

The interior has been rebuilt. Tyler Linderbaum signed with Las Vegas, while Daniel Faalele remained unsigned entering camp. Baltimore brought back Simpson, drafted Ioane 14th overall and added Pocic, Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn.

Ioane is expected to start immediately. He played primarily on the left side at Penn State, but Simpson has also spent most of his NFL career there. Baltimore will decide during camp which player is better suited to each guard position.

Center is the largest unresolved competition. Pocic brings the most recent starting experience and was added shortly before training camp. Pinter and Gwyn remain alternatives, while Corey Bullock provides additional depth.

The line has size and upside, but replacing Linderbaum’s athleticism and communication is difficult. The group must also learn a new offensive system while settling multiple starting jobs.

Baltimore can protect the line schematically through Jackson’s mobility, Henry’s rushing threat and play-action. Against elite playoff fronts, however, the interior must hold up without constant assistance.

Defense

Defensive transition

Minter inherits a defense with premium talent at every level but also several health and depth questions.

Baltimore’s 2025 pass rush fell sharply after recording 54 sacks the previous year. Nnamdi Madubuike suffered a season-ending neck injury, Broderick Washington Jr. was also lost early, and the secondary and front failed to consistently complement one another.

Minter’s defenses are typically multiple and disguise-heavy. Baltimore should use simulated pressure, late movement and Hamilton’s versatility to create uncertainty without sending reckless numbers of blitzers.

The signing of Hendrickson gives the scheme a proven finisher it lacked last season.

Edge rushers

Trey Hendrickson is the defense’s defining offseason addition.

Baltimore signed him to a four-year contract after he established himself as one of the NFL’s most productive pass rushers. His ability to win one-on-one, convert pressure into sacks and close games directly addresses the unit’s greatest 2025 weakness.

Hendrickson also creates better matchups for everyone else. Offenses that slide protection toward him will leave fewer resources for Madubuike, Mike Green, Tavius Robinson and second-round rookie Zion Young.

Green is a leading breakout candidate after flashing pass-rush ability as a rookie. Robinson is the stronger early-down and run-defense option. Young brings power, length and a relentless style and should receive meaningful rotational work immediately. Baltimore’s post-draft projection listed Hendrickson, Robinson and Green as the primary starters, with Young directly behind them.

Kyle Van Noy remained unsigned entering camp, while David Ojabo departed for Miami and Dre’Mont Jones signed with New England. Those losses reduce the returning depth but also clear opportunities for younger players.

The group should be substantially better than it was in 2025. Hendrickson gives Baltimore a true No. 1 rusher, while Green and Young provide developmental upside.

Defensive line

The defensive line’s outlook depends heavily on Nnamdi Madubuike.

Madubuike was placed on the physically unable to perform list before training camp, although reports indicated he could return to the field relatively soon. His recovery from the neck injury remains one of the roster’s most important medical situations.

At full strength, Madubuike provides the interior burst necessary to prevent quarterbacks from simply stepping forward to escape Hendrickson. His presence could transform Baltimore’s pass rush from improved to elite.

Travis Jones returns as the primary interior anchor. He can occupy multiple blockers and provide enough push to disrupt the pocket.

Broderick Washington Jr. is working back from his own serious injury. Baltimore also brought back Calais Campbell, providing veteran leadership and rotational flexibility. John Jenkins adds size, while C.J. Okoye, Aeneas Peebles and seventh-round rookie Rayshaun Benny compete for depth.

Benny played under Minter and defensive-line coach Lou Esposito at Michigan, giving him valuable familiarity with the new system.

The group has a high ceiling but considerable health exposure. If Madubuike and Washington return effectively, Baltimore could possess one of the AFC’s deepest fronts. If either recovery stalls, the defense becomes more dependent on Hendrickson and the edge rushers.

Inside linebacker

Roquan Smith remains the leader of the defense.

Smith’s speed, physicality and communication ability make him central to Baltimore’s structure. He can attack downhill, carry routes and ensure the front is properly aligned before the snap.

Teddye Buchanan is the projected starter beside him but is recovering from a late-season knee injury. Trenton Simpson is positioned for an expanded role after showing improvement in 2025. Jay Higgins IV and Carl Jones provide additional competition.

The key question is how Minter divides responsibilities. Smith should remain the every-down communicator, while Buchanan, Simpson and potentially Hamilton could rotate according to opponent and personnel package.

Simpson’s speed gives the Ravens a useful pressure and pursuit option. He must continue improving his processing and coverage consistency to become a dependable full-time starter.

The group is strong at the top but less settled next to Smith.

Cornerback

Baltimore’s starting cornerback group is one of the roster’s strengths.

Nate Wiggins has the speed and length to develop into a true No. 1 outside corner. His ability to play tight man coverage allows Minter to use more aggressive pressure designs.

Marlon Humphrey remains the most versatile veteran. He can play outside, move into the slot, blitz and support the run. His ability to change assignments without substitution helps disguise coverage.

Chidobe Awuzie re-signed and provides experienced outside depth or a third starting option. T.J. Tampa is a candidate for increased playing time after two developmental seasons.

Fifth-round rookie Chandler Rivers projects primarily as a nickel corner. Keyon Martin, Bilhal Kone, Robert Longerbeam and several other young defensive backs will compete for depth and special-teams roles.

The main concern is health and depth beyond the top three. If Wiggins, Humphrey and Awuzie are available, Baltimore can match up with almost any receiving group. Injuries would force younger, less proven corners into demanding roles.

Safety

Kyle Hamilton is the defense’s most versatile player.

Hamilton can align deep, cover the slot, play in the box, blitz and function almost as a linebacker. Minter should build large portions of the defense around making Hamilton’s assignment difficult to identify before the snap.

Malaki Starks enters his second season after showing the intelligence and athletic ability to become another long-term secondary cornerstone. His development could allow Baltimore to move Hamilton even more freely.

Jaylinn Hawkins was signed to become the third safety after Alohi Gilman and Ar’Darius Washington departed. Baltimore uses three-safety personnel frequently, making Hawkins more than a traditional reserve. Keondre Jackson provides additional depth and special-teams value.

This group should be one of the defense’s best. Hamilton and Starks give Minter two movable pieces, while Hawkins adds experience and coverage range.

Special teams

Tyler Loop returns as the likely kicker after an uneven ending to the 2025 season. His missed kick against Pittsburgh contributed to Baltimore’s failure to win the division, making his response an important storyline entering camp.

Jordan Stout left for the Giants, creating a punter competition. Baltimore signed Luke Elzinga and drafted Ryan Eckley in the sixth round.

Nick Moore remains the long snapper after signing an extension.

The return game is unsettled following the departures of Wallace and Mitchell. LaJohntay Wester, Flowers, Randall and several defensive backs may receive opportunities, although Baltimore should avoid exposing Flowers unnecessarily.

The coverage units lost several established contributors, including Wallace, Jake Hummel and Ricard. That places greater importance on the rookie class and the back end of the roster.

Special teams are less stable than they were during much of the Harbaugh era. Kicker and punter performance could affect several close divisional games.

Most important offseason additions

• EDGE Trey Hendrickson: Proven elite pass rusher and the defense’s most important acquisition.
• G John Simpson: Experienced starter returning to stabilize the interior line.
• G Vega Ioane: First-round rookie expected to start immediately.
• S Jaylinn Hawkins: Third safety and experienced coverage defender.
• TE Durham Smythe: Blocking tight end familiar with the offensive system.
• C Ethan Pocic: Veteran contender for the starting center job.
• C Danny Pinter: Experienced interior-line competition.
• DL Calais Campbell: Veteran rotational defender and leader.
• EDGE Zion Young: Second-round rookie with an immediate defensive role.
• WRs Ja’Kobi Lane and Elijah Sarratt: Size and red-zone potential.

Most important departures

• C Tyler Linderbaum: Elite athletic center and major protection communicator.
• TE Isaiah Likely: Dynamic complementary receiving tight end.
• TE Charlie Kolar: Blocking and rotational depth.
• FB Patrick Ricard: Hybrid blocker central to Baltimore’s rushing identity.
• RB Keaton Mitchell: Explosive backfield speed.
• S Ar’Darius Washington: Starting-caliber coverage versatility.
• S Alohi Gilman: Experienced third-safety option.
• EDGE Dre’Mont Jones: Rotational front-seven pressure.
• WR Tylan Wallace: Special-teams leader and reserve receiver.
• P Jordan Stout: Starting punter.
• EDGE David Ojabo: Developmental pass-rush depth.

Linderbaum is the most consequential loss because he affected both protection and run-game communication. Likely and Ricard are also difficult to replace because their versatility shaped Baltimore’s personnel packages.

Draft-class outlook

Baltimore selected 11 players:

Round	Player	Position	Projected early role
1	Vega Ioane	Guard	Immediate starter
2	Zion Young	Edge	Major defensive rotation
3	Ja’Kobi Lane	Wide receiver	Red-zone and outside depth
4	Elijah Sarratt	Wide receiver	Contested-catch and special-teams role
5	Matt Hibner	Tight end	Receiving complement to Andrews
5	Chandler Rivers	Cornerback	Nickel competition and special teams
5	Josh Cuevas	Tight end	Blocking and H-back development
5	Adam Randall	Running back	Third-back and return competition
6	Ryan Eckley	Punter	Starting competition
7	Rayshaun Benny	Defensive line	Rotational interior development
7	Evan Beerntsen	Guard	Interior depth

Ioane and Young carry immediate starting-level expectations. Ioane must help stabilize an offensive line replacing Linderbaum, while Young should contribute to a front that badly needs greater depth.

Hibner could become the class’s most important skill-position player because the departure of Likely creates a clear receiving role behind Andrews.

Lane and Sarratt offer valuable physical traits but may need time before becoming complete NFL route runners.

Schedule assessment

Baltimore’s schedule offers a favorable opening but a demanding middle and finish.

The first seven opponents combined for a 43-75-1 record in 2025, and the Ravens do not face a previous-season playoff team until November. That gives Minter and Doyle an opportunity to install their systems without immediately facing the most difficult portion of the schedule.

There are still logistical complications. Baltimore plays Dallas in Rio de Janeiro during Week 3, creating international travel early in the season.

The most difficult stretch comes from Weeks 8 through 12, when Baltimore faces five consecutive previous-season playoff teams: Buffalo, Jacksonville, the Chargers, Carolina and Houston. The Jacksonville game comes on a short week immediately after the trip to Buffalo.

The Week 13 bye is late and well placed.

Baltimore then closes with four consecutive AFC North games, the first time that has happened in franchise history. Road games at Pittsburgh and Cincinnati, followed by home games against Cleveland and Pittsburgh, should determine the division.

Based on 2025 records, Baltimore has the league’s ninth-easiest schedule; projected win totals placed it sixth easiest. That does not account fully for Cincinnati’s expected improvement or the physical difficulty of the AFC North, but the overall slate is favorable for a contender.

Final prediction

Projected record: 11-6

Projected AFC North finish: First place

Baltimore and Cincinnati should conduct a close divisional race. The Bengals possess the superior pure passing-receiver combination, while the Ravens have the more versatile quarterback, stronger running identity and potentially deeper defense.

Pittsburgh should remain difficult defensively, while Cleveland can disrupt divisional opponents even if it does not contend over a full season.

Baltimore’s realistic range is approximately 9-8 to 13-4.

The upper end becomes attainable if:

• Jackson remains healthy.
• Ioane and the new center stabilize the offensive line.
• Bateman or a young receiver becomes a consistent second target.
• Hendrickson transforms the pass rush.
• Madubuike returns effectively.
• Minter maximizes Hamilton and Starks.
• Baltimore takes advantage of its favorable opening schedule.

The lower end becomes possible if the offensive-line transition struggles, Henry declines sharply or the defensive front’s injuries persist.

Postseason probabilities

Outcome	Estimated probability
Make the playoffs	76%
Win the AFC North	45%
Earn a top-two AFC seed	23%
Win first playoff game	62% if participating
Win divisional round	43% if participating
Win AFC Championship Game	31% if participating
Win Super Bowl LXI	18% if participating
Overall probability of winning Super Bowl LXI	7%

These are analytical preseason estimates rather than sportsbook odds.

Most likely postseason result

The most likely outcome is an AFC North championship followed by an appearance in the divisional round.

Baltimore is built to win postseason games. Jackson and Henry create a rushing matchup opponents cannot completely simulate in practice, while Hendrickson, Hamilton and the secondary give Minter enough defensive talent to disrupt elite quarterbacks.

The Ravens’ ceiling is an AFC Championship Game or Super Bowl appearance.

The primary obstacle is offensive reliability against playoff defenses. If Baltimore cannot protect Jackson inside or generate receiving production beyond Flowers and Andrews, defenses will crowd the middle and dare the supporting cast to win.

The defense also needs Madubuike healthy. Hendrickson can transform the edge rush, but defeating Buffalo, Houston, New England, Kansas City or Cincinnati may require pressure from every level.

Overall verdict

The Ravens remain a legitimate championship contender despite missing the playoffs last season.

Their greatest strengths are:

• Lamar Jackson’s unique rushing and passing ability.
• Derrick Henry’s physical presence.
• Zay Flowers’ playmaking.
• Mark Andrews’ chemistry with Jackson.
• Ronnie Stanley and Roger Rosengarten at tackle.
• Trey Hendrickson’s arrival.
• Kyle Hamilton’s versatility.
• Roquan Smith’s leadership.
• A deep, talented secondary.
• A favorable opening schedule and late bye.

The principal risks are:

• Replacing Tyler Linderbaum.
• Multiple new offensive-line starters.
• Limited proven receiver production behind Flowers.
• Losing Isaiah Likely and Patrick Ricard.
• Henry’s age and workload.
• Madubuike’s recovery from a neck injury.
• Buchanan and Washington returning from major injuries.
• A new head coach and two new systems.
• Unsettled kicker and punter situations.
• Four straight divisional games to close the season.

Final forecast: 11-6, first in the AFC North and a divisional-round appearance.

Baltimore has a credible chance to reach the AFC Championship Game and approximately a seven percent overall chance of winning Super Bowl LXI. The addition of Hendrickson and the favorable schedule should produce a significant rebound, but the offensive line must become stable before the Ravens can be considered the AFC’s safest championship choice.