Ravens Fall in Latest Power Rankings Despite Win

Most national pundits still haven't changed their view of the Baltimore Ravens, even though they're coming off a lopsided 41-17 win over the Cleveland Browns in Week 2. While the consensus belief is that they are still a top 3 to 5 team in the league, some pundits weren't moved much by them beating a team they were heavily favored to triumph over. Now, it’s time to see where the team lands in the NFL landscape of power rankings heading into Week 3.

Sports Illustrated: 4 (Last week: 3)

A rebound beating of the division rival Browns in which the Ravens really flexed the depth of their roster helps Baltimore avoid an 0–2 pitfall from a year ago. The Joe Burrow injury, while incredibly unfortunate, also would seem to take some perceived stress off the shoulders of the prohibitive division favorites. With Kansas City reeling, it’s time for Baltimore to plant its flag in the AFC. - Conor Orr

ESPN: 4 (Last week: 3)

The two-time MVP has already put himself in position to win a third award by totaling seven touchdowns and no turnovers. This is the fifth time in the past 20 years that a quarterback reached that mark in the first two weeks. The previous four quarterbacks to achieve it -- Peyton Manning (2013), Patrick Mahomes (2018 and 2022) and Jackson (2019) -- all went on to win NFL MVP. Now, can Jackson keep it up against a Lions defense that has allowed four touchdown passes and made one interception this season? - Jamison Hensley

The Ringer: 4 (Last week: 3)

Veteran defensive back Marlon Humphrey publicly challenged his teammates’ maturity level coming into the weekend, echoing head coach John Harbaugh’s sentiment during the week of practice. The Ravens’ biggest weakness over the years has been closing out games, playing too lax and allowing opposing teams to hang around long enough to steal victories, and that’s exactly what had happened against Buffalo. Sunday was a step in the right direction. Baltimore got into the fourth quarter and strung together a dominant sequence to put Cleveland away, reminding us why this team is always in the conversation among the league’s best—and why it’s so frustrating when we don’t see this level of play consistently. - Diante Lee

NFL.com: 3 (Last week: 3)

It was getting just a tad worrisome when the Ravens hadn’t yet put away the Browns entering the fourth quarter, with the Buffalo nightmare still fresh in our memories. But Baltimore wasn’t about to cough this one up, dominating the fourth quarter and ending any chance of a shocking loss. To the Ravens’ credit, they’ve historically been very good coming off a loss -- especially a tough one. John Harbaugh had his team ready to fight for four quarters, and Baltimore was solid or better in all three phases. It wasn’t a banner game offensively, and Derrick Henry fumbled again. It was a no harm, no foul situation, but there are still a few things to tidy up. - Eric Edholm

Sporting News: 5 (Last week: 5)

The Ravens' offense had a few hiccups from the fourth-quarter mess in Buffalo before rolling in Cleveland, with help from their defense and their old friend Joe Flacco. This was a much-needed get-right game before they prepare to face the Lions, Chiefs, Texans and Rams over the next month. -Vinnie Iyer

Yahoo Sports: 4 (Last week: 4)

Lamar Jackson is now inches ahead of Aaron Rodgers for the greatest passer rating in NFL history. The greatest running quarterback ever is now, by one key metric, the most efficient passer too. That’s a remarkable combination. Hopefully we’re all appreciating a truly great and unique player. - Frank Schwab