The Baltimore Ravens have experienced one of the sharpest declines from preseason expectations this season.
A team that entered the year as a legitimate contender now sits at 3-5 through nine weeks.
The return of Lamar Jackson after a three-game absence due to a hamstring injury offers a chance to salvage what remains of their campaign.
Craig Carton has made a bold prediction about Baltimore’s playoff chances and Jackson’s potential MVP case.
“When the Ravens run the table, and I think they’re capable of doing it, with a healthy Lamar Jackson. Lamar Jackson will have earned his third MVP. Forget about Josh Allen, forget about Patrick Mahomes. Forget about Indiana Jones. Forget about all of them,” Carton said on his show. “But if you can bring a team from 2-5 to 12-5, or even 11-6, and win your division, you are the MVP of the league. Because you have just proven that ‘without you, we can’t win and with you, we don’t lose.’”
LAMAR ACTION JACKSON WILL BE THE LEAGUE MVP
“When the Ravens run the table… if you can bring a team from 2-5 to 11-5… you are the MVP of the league” – @craigcartonlive #NFL #Ravens #LamarJackson pic.twitter.com/3BEjIt0Z1T
— The Craig Carton Show (@CraigCartonShow) October 30, 2025
Carton went further with his enthusiasm, comparing Jackson to a horse ready to break out of the stables.
He even acted out the comparison during the segment, creating a theatrical scene to emphasize his point about Jackson’s imminent impact.
John Harbaugh has shown clear optimism this week, and his players appear to share that belief.
Jackson’s return restores the tempo, third-down efficiency, and red-zone creativity that disappeared during his absence.
The roster is finally approaching full health, which positions the offense to regain its dangerous form.
Jackson’s leadership extended beyond the field during Baltimore’s recent struggles.
He pushed for ping-pong and other locker room games to be removed, clarifying it was not about singling anyone out but refocusing the team until wins returned.
With Jackson back, the Ravens have a clear path forward built around his dual-threat ability and the momentum one victory can create.
