After the Week 3 matchup, either the Baltimore Ravens or the Kansas City Chiefs would wake up on Monday with a 1-3 record. The Ravens earned that distinction, but they faced more than just a loss: they also saw key players, including two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson, sustain injuries.
Just three weeks ago, eight NFL executives ranked the Ravens as the top team in the AFC, just ahead of the Buffalo Bills and Chiefs. What are those executives thinking now? I reached out to four of them on Sunday night for their insights, which will feature in this week’s Pick Six column alongside my own research about the Ravens, who last missed the playoffs in 2021 when Jackson was sidelined for five late-season games.
1. Oddsmakers Still Favor the Ravens in the AFC North
Despite their struggles this season, oddsmakers still predict the Ravens will win the AFC North, which may reflect the overall state of the division. In their games so far, the Ravens have squandered significant leads, such as a 40-25 advantage against Buffalo, ultimately losing 41-40. They also let a 21-14 lead slip away against Detroit, falling 38-30. Their game against the Chiefs highlighted their issues further as Kansas City succeeded on all four fourth-down attempts.
An executive who rated Kansas City first and Baltimore second noted, “Look at the schedule they’ve played. They’ll eventually win against easier opponents.” Concerns about Jackson’s hamstring injury were also raised: was it merely precautionary, or more serious? Another executive expressed confidence about the Ravens making the playoffs but shared doubts about their ability to meet expectations of being Super Bowl contenders, especially in light of their injuries and defensive struggles.
2. Jaxson Dart as Replacement QB for Giants
Dart’s debut as starting quarterback for the Giants brought an interesting twist. He helped the team edge out the favored Chargers with a 21-18 win, even while coping with a hamstring strain. Dart managed a physically demanding role, running and absorbing hits, but his playing style may need adjustment to ensure longevity in the position.
3. Jaguars’ Success and Turnover Luck
The Jaguars continue to impress under new coach Liam Coen, sitting at 3-1 after a close victory over the 49ers. Their success is partly attributable to incredible turnover luck, having secured 13 turnovers so far. This defensive strength, combined with Coen’s previously proven ability to elevate ground game production, sets a promising tone for the season ahead.
4. The Seahawks’ Transition Away from Winning QBs
The Seahawks’ experience in successfully transitioning from Russell Wilson to Geno Smith highlights how teams can manage the change from prominent quarterbacks. Recent moves to trade Smith for Sam Darnold may reflect a calculated risk that not all general managers are willing to take, showcasing the need for a clear evaluation of players’ trajectories.
5. Richard Sherman’s Commentary on Russell Wilson
Richard Sherman’s remarks on Russell Wilson’s Hall of Fame candidacy sharply criticized his performance once separated from the “Legion of Boom” defense. Despite Wilson’s past achievements in Seattle, his recent struggles have raised questions about his legacy and how future evaluations will weigh his earlier successes against his current performance.
6. Packers’ Defensive Concerns
The Packers faced significant defensive challenges in their recent tie against the Cowboys, leading to worries about their performance. While their overall strategy may need refining, it’s essential to recognize that both teams have shown vulnerabilities this season, suggesting that concerns might not be universally applicable.
