Why Do The Ravens Struggle in the Playoffs?

2020-2021 Playoffs: Divisional Round vs. Bills

The Ravens traveled to Buffalo with hopes of advancing to the AFC Championship. With both defenses dominating, the game was level at 3-3 going into halftime.

Then came the turning point. Late in the third quarter, Jackson threw a red zone interception that was returned for a 101-yard touchdown. Instead of scoring, Baltimore fell 14 points behind.

The Ravens never recovered. Jackson left the game on the next possession with a concussion. The offensive collapse fueled growing criticism of then-offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Former player Steve Smith Sr. referenced poor play design by Roman. Baltimore finished the game with just three points and failed to reach the end zone.

2022-2023 Playoffs: Wild Card vs Bengals

The Ravens hit the road in 2023 to face Cincinnati without their superstar quarterback Jackson, who was sidelined with a knee injury. Backup Tyler Huntley stepped in under center, tasked to keep Baltimore’s season alive.

Without Jackson, the Ravens still had a chance to win. But once more, there were game-defining errors. Huntley threw an interception that led to a Bengals touchdown. Then, his goal-line fumble was returned 98 yards for the go-ahead score.

The Ravens ran the ball well, got to Burrow with four sacks, and could’ve taken the lead in the fourth, but an inability to play clean football ultimately sank them.

2023-2024 Playoffs: AFC Championship vs Chiefs

Baltimore entered the playoffs as the No. 1 seed again with Jackson coming off his second MVP season. But against Kansas City, the offense stalled when it mattered the most.

Despite leading the league in rushing, the Ravens ran the ball just 16 times. Gus Edwards, their most efficient back, saw only three carries. Turnovers also returned as a problem, with three giveaways, including a red-zone fumble and a late interception.

With home-field advantage and a top tier roster, Baltimore once again unraveled at the worst time.

2024-2025 Playoffs: Divisional Round vs Bills

With a trip to the AFC championship riding on the outcome, the Ravens once more collapsed in a big moment.

Baltimore turned over the ball three times. Jackson threw an early interception; on the next drive Jackson lost a fumble that led to a Bills touchdown.

After the first failed two-point try, which kept them from equalizing, Mark Andrews fumbled, which helped pad Buffalo’s lead with a field goal in the fourth quarter.

Baltimore’s final chance ended with a dropped two-point conversion attempt, which would have tied the game. Derrick Henry never touched the ball on either two-point try — a questionable decision.

Even with a significant edge in total yardage, the Ravens’ latest playoff exit came down to the same issue — costly, self-inflicted errors.

Overcoming Ravens Playoff Struggles

The Ravens boast one of the most complete rosters in the league, with top talent on both sides of the ball, and a two-time MVP at quarterback. But recurring mistakes in breakdowns, turnovers, and questionable decision making continue to hold them back. Until Baltimore cleans up those issues, a Super Bowl will remain out of reach.