Baltimore Ravens 2026 NFL season preview, analysis and predictions
The Baltimore Ravens cannot wait for the 2026-27 season to get underway after failing to make the playoffs last year for the first time since 2021.
With that, head coach John Harbaugh was let go after 18 years in Baltimore, and Jesse Minter, who served as the Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator for two years, is now in charge. Minter is joined by offensive coordinator Declan Doyle, the NFL’s youngest playcaller, and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. The biggest challenge for this coaching staff will be improving a defence that allowed 354.5 yards per game last season (24th in the NFL) while getting the most out of two-time MVP QB Lamar Jackson.
If the Ravens can turn back into a defensive juggernaut and Jackson can stay healthy for a full season, this team will be tough to beat. That’s why I’m breaking down their team with my Baltimore Ravens team preview.
Don’t forget to check out Sports Interaction’s complete list of NFL game odds and NFL futures.
Baltimore Ravens NFL futures
Baltimore has the second-shortest odds to win the AFC behind the Buffalo Bills, but they interestingly have the shortest odds to be the No. 1 seed. Here are multiple markets with odds for Ravens futures this season:
- Win the Super Bowl (+1200)
- Win the AFC (+525)
- No. 1 seed in the AFC (+400)
- Win the AFC North (-105)
- Make the playoffs (-340)
- Regular season wins: Over 10.5 (-150) | Under 10.5 (+125)
Lamar already has two MVPs, but the bookmakers are expecting more of the same this season. Here are three award futures worth monitoring as the season progresses:
- Lamar Jackson to win MVP (+850)
- Derrick Henry to win Offensive Player of the Year (+2500)
- Jesse Minter to win Coach of the Year (+1000)
Baltimore Ravens squad strengths
The Ravens’ biggest strength this upcoming season will be Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, but I absolutely love their head coaching hire in Minter. Although Minter has no head coaching experience, bringing him in feels exactly like what the Seattle Seahawks did with hiring Mike Macdonald two seasons ago.
Although Weaver is the DC, Minter will have his hands all over this defence, as he was the playcaller for a Chargers stop-unit that allowed 285.2 yards per game in 2025 (fifth in the NFL) and 17.7 points per game in 2024 (first in the NFL). Harbaugh is the winningest coach in Ravens history, but it was time for a change, and I expect Minter’s energy will be a major strength in Baltimore.
The defence will improve, but the Ravens will still rely on Jackson and Henry to carry the load on offence. Jackson threw for just 2,663 yards last season, his lowest mark since his rookie season, and he rushed for a career-low 349 yards on just 67 attempts. Although Jackson obviously has injury concerns when running the football, I expect Minter to turn back the clock and fully utilize Lamar as a dual-threat QB. If he does, this Ravens offence will be difficult to contain, and an MVP season is a realistic possibility for the 29-year-old QB.
Baltimore Ravens squad weaknesses
The Ravens’ biggest weakness in 2025 was their defence and kicking game. K Tyler Loop missed a 44-yard field goal in their season finale, costing Baltimore the AFC North title and postseason appearance, and they haven’t brought in any competition for the second-year kicker. That is obviously concerning, especially since they could previously rely on Justin Tucker.
Baltimore’s other weakness will be adjusting to life without star centre Tyler Linderbaum, who signed a three-year, $81 million contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. Veteran centre Ethan Pocic will try his best to fill the void, but he is coming off a torn Achilles and will compete with Danny Pinter and Jovaughn Gwyn for the starting role – both of whom have been career backups. However, drafting rookie G Olaivavega Ioane from Penn State with the No. 14 pick will immensely improve this offensive line and help fill the loss of Linderbaum.
Although some fans might identify Baltimore’s defence as a weakness, I really don’t see it that way. Aside from having Minter in the building, Baltimore traded for star LB Trey Hendrickson, while Pro Bowl defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike could return from a previously career-threatening neck injury and veterans Roquan Smith, Marlon Humphrey and Kyle Hamilton will be motivated to get their unit back on track.
Ravens to win the AFC North (-105)
The Ravens have finished in first or second in the AFC North in nine of the previous 10 seasons, and I expect them to take the crown yet again this year. The Bengals improved in the offseason, but with the Steelers incorporating a new coach in Mike McCarthy and the Browns being the Browns, I view this Baltimore squad as the most talented team in the division. If Lamar stays healthy and Minter implements a similar defence from his previous two seasons, Baltimore should cruise to 11+ wins and re-capture the AFC North.