Ravens' Lamar Jackson Ranked 11th, But NFL Should Be Scared

Quarterback's down year in 2025 likely won't last, setting up a quick climb up the AFC mountain.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was ranked 11th in NFL.com's latest quarterback rankings, but the league should be scared of what's to come. After an injury-plagued 2025 season, Jackson is poised for a bounce-back year in 2026 that could see him return to MVP form and lead the Ravens back to the playoffs.

Why it matters

Lamar Jackson is a two-time NFL MVP who has proven he can dominate the league when healthy. His down year in 2025 was largely due to injuries, and quarterbacks of his caliber rarely have back-to-back poor seasons. With a new coaching staff in Baltimore, Jackson and the Ravens could quickly return to being one of the top teams in the AFC.

The details

Jackson played in only 13 games in 2025, going 6-7 as a starter. His mobility and electric running ability were hampered by a hamstring injury, leading to a disappointing season. However, in the season finale, Jackson showed flashes of his old self, reminding everyone of his MVP potential.

  • In 2025, Lamar Jackson played in only 13 games due to injury.
  • In Week 18 of the 2025 season, Jackson had a "scintillating" performance that "will remain burned" in the memory of NFL.com's Nick Shook.

The players

Lamar Jackson

The Baltimore Ravens' starting quarterback, a two-time NFL MVP who is poised for a bounce-back season in 2026 after an injury-plagued 2025 campaign.

Nick Shook

An NFL.com writer who ranked Lamar Jackson 11th in his latest quarterback rankings, noting that Jackson's mobility and electric running ability were hampered by injury in 2025.

Isaiah Likely

A Ravens player who told "NFL Daily" on Radio Row during Super Bowl week that Jackson had "that look in his eye" in the season finale, suggesting he's ready to return to MVP form.

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What they’re saying

“Lamar Jackson wasn't himself for most of the 2025 season because of the injuries he suffered. His mobility disappeared for weeks, but once it returned, he reminded us why he's won the NFL MVP award twice. His showing in Week 18 was scintillating and will remain burned in my memory for quite some time.”

— Nick Shook, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

“As Isaiah Likely told "NFL Daily" on Radio Row during Super Bowl week, Jackson had that look in his eye that night. Hopefully, he'll have it throughout 2026.”

— Nick Shook, NFL.com writer (NFL.com)

What’s next

The Ravens and their fans will be closely watching Lamar Jackson's progress this offseason as he looks to bounce back from his injury-plagued 2025 campaign. If he can regain his MVP form, the Ravens could quickly climb back up the AFC standings and challenge for a playoff spot in 2026.

The takeaway

Lamar Jackson's ranking as the 11th-best quarterback in the NFL is a clear underestimation of his talent and potential. After an injury-riddled 2025 season, Jackson is poised for a dominant 2026 campaign that could see him return to MVP form and lead the Ravens back to the playoffs, putting the rest of the NFL on notice.