Ravens Tipped for 2026 Bounce Back, But With 1 Huge 'If'

Lamar Jackson's health is the key to Baltimore's potential resurgence.

Feb. 10, 2026 at 7:55pm

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The Baltimore Ravens are expected to bounce back in the 2026 NFL season under new head coach Jesse Minter, but their success hinges on the health of star quarterback Lamar Jackson. After a disappointing 2025 campaign, the Ravens are banking on Jackson returning to form and leading them back to the playoffs.

Why it matters

The Ravens have been one of the AFC's top teams in recent years, but they missed the playoffs in 2025. With Jackson as the centerpiece of their offense, the team's fortunes rise and fall with his availability and performance. A healthy Jackson could propel the Ravens to a deep postseason run, while continued injury issues would likely mean another lost season.

The details

New head coach Jesse Minter, previously the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams, is expected to help improve the Ravens' defense. However, the team's biggest question mark is on the offensive side of the ball, specifically regarding the health of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson has shown he can be one of the league's elite quarterbacks when healthy, but he struggled with injuries in 2025, leading to the Ravens' disappointing season.

  • The Ravens are looking to bounce back in the 2026 NFL season.

The players

Lamar Jackson

The Ravens' star quarterback, who is seen as one of the best in the league but has struggled with injuries in recent seasons.

Jesse Minter

The new head coach of the Baltimore Ravens, previously the defensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Rams.

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What they’re saying

“The Ravens are here largely for one reason: Lamar Jackson should be healthier in 2026 than he was in 2025. If Jackson is on the field and healthy, the Ravens are going to win more games than they did this year.”

— Jared Dubin, CBS Sports Analyst

What’s next

The Ravens' offseason will focus on finding ways to keep Lamar Jackson healthy and on the field for the entire 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Ravens' success in 2026 rests squarely on the shoulders of Lamar Jackson. If the star quarterback can stay healthy, the team has the potential to bounce back and make a deep playoff run. However, if Jackson's injury issues persist, the Ravens may struggle to return to the postseason.