Power Rankings Roundup: Where do the Ravens stand entering Week 5?
· Yahoo Sports
The Baltimore Ravens have won three of their first four games. They sit tied atop the AFC North, and they are coming off their first home victory of the season. Under most circumstances, that combination would lead to a steady climb in the national power rankings. Instead, the conversation surrounding Baltimore feels more complicated.
The Ravens defeated the Tennessee Titans in Week 4, but they also watched Lamar Jackson leave the game with an ankle injury. They survived a late comeback attempt, failed to score in the second half, and continue navigating injuries along the offensive line.
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As a result, national analysts seem torn on how to evaluate them. Some see a 3-1 team finding ways to win despite adversity. Others see a talented roster that still hasn't played its best football and suddenly faces questions about the health of its most important player.
The rankings themselves reflect that uncertainty. Depending on the outlet, Baltimore is viewed as anything from a fringe contender to a team sitting just outside the league's top half. Here's where several major outlets rank the Ravens entering Week 5.
USA TODAY
Despite the Week 2 victory, USA TODAY's Nate Davis drops the Ravens four spots from last week's ranking. They're just outside the NFL's top half at number 17.
"It's no secret that they can't afford to be without injured QB Lamar Jackson for long. But he's doing more damage with his arm right now than his legs, Jackson's 14.2 yards per completion pacing the league and representing the best figure of his nine-year career."
ESPN
ESPN's NFL Nation places Baltimore one notch down from its Week 4 ranking, making them sixth at 3-1 heading into Week 5 and a game vs. the Atlanta Falcons. The opponent has won two straight leading into the contest.
"The Ravens are meeting expectations with their best start in three seasons, which puts them in a first-place tie with the Browns atop the AFC North. But it has come at a cost. Quarterback Lamar Jackson is considered day-to-day after injuring his left ankle Sunday, and his offensive line isn't faring much better. Injuries have left Baltimore with its No. 4 option at center (Olaivavega Ioane) and its third-string right guard (Emery Jones Jr.). "We're not going to make excuses," coach Jesse Minter said. "We're going to figure out the guys that we have and put them out there and give ourselves the best chance to be successful." -- Jamison Hensley
FOX Sports
Ralph Vacchiano, like ESPN, places the Ravens in his top ten. Also, like ESPN, he drops them one spot from last week. They're ninth, and here's some of the reasoning for that decision.
"They won and still dropped a spot because they barely held on against a pretty terrible Titans team. Also, they’re in a bit of danger with QB Lamar Jackson’s ankle injury looming over their entire season. He may not be the same even after he heals, given how his legs are such a big part of his game. Their Derrick Henry-led running game and defense are good, but not good enough to sustain things if Jackson isn’t available or isn’t at least close to his MVP-caliber self."
CBS Sports
CBS Sports is the lone platform on this list that raised Baltimore after last week. The Ravens move up one spot from eighth, landing in seventh place.
"Lamar Jackson's ankle injury is a cloud over this team right now. Will he miss time? How much?"
The rankings vary, but the theme remains remarkably consistent. Every outlet acknowledges Baltimore's strong start, yet every discussion eventually circles back to Lamar Jackson's health.
That's understandable. The Ravens have proven they can win games with Jackson playing at an elite level. The next question is whether they can continue building momentum if he's limited or forced to miss time.
Fortunately for Baltimore, early indications from Jesse Minter suggest the injury may not be a long-term concern. Until Jackson's status becomes clearer, however, national analysts appear reluctant to fully buy into the Ravens as one of the NFL's elite teams. A victory over Atlanta, especially if Baltimore can look more complete doing it, could go a long way toward changing that perception.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Power Rankings Roundup: Where do the Ravens stand entering Week 5?