NFL Power Rankings Week 3: Ravens land inside the top 10 after win over Bengals
The Ravens are 2-0 atop the AFC North after a 27-24 win over the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium on Sunday.
Lamar Jackson was dynamic, and the Baltimore defense looks championship-worthy after limiting Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase.
With preparation for a Week 3 matchup against the Colts underway, we’re looking at where John Harbaguh’s team lands in NFL Power Rankings.
Bleacher Report --7
Bleacher Report has Baltimore at No. 7 entering Week 3.
Week 2 is a little early in the year for statement games.
But it can be argued that Baltimore’s road win over the Cincinnati Bengals was one. Yes, the Ravens won by only three, but Baltimore controlled the game from start to finish against the reigning AFC North champions and the team that bounced the Ravens from last year’s playoffs.
The Ravens played well in all facets. Lamar Jackson was effective as both a runner and a passer, throwing for 237 yards and a pair of scores and drawing praise from head coach John Harbaugh.
Baltimore Sun--6
The Baltimore Sun has the Ravens at No. 6.
ESPN--6
ESPN has Baltimore at No. 6.
Queen is in the final year of his rookie deal ($2.268 million) and is scheduled to become a free agent in March after Baltimore declined his fifth-year option. He knows this season is essentially an audition for the other 31 teams in the league. His long-term future in Baltimore likely ended last year, when the Ravens traded for Roquan Smith and then made him the highest-paid middle linebacker. Early in his career, Queen struggled in coverage and missed tackles. Now, playing alongside Smith, Queen has become an all-around playmaker. Since 2020, Queen is one of three players to record more than 300 tackles, double-digit sacks and multiple interceptions. The others: Smith and Bobby Wagner. — Jamison Hensley
Cowboys Wire --5
Cowboys Wire has Baltimore at No. 5 in Week 3.
The Athletic--5
The Athletic has the undefeated Ravens in the top 5 at No. 5.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson is quickly getting comfortable in offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s system. After totaling 207 yards in Week 1, Jackson had 291 in Week 2 (237 passing, 54 rushing). He was 8-for-9 passing for 96 yards and two touchdowns in the second half.
Up next: vs. Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
FMIA--6
Peter King has the Ravens at No. 6.
6. Baltimore (2-0). Injuries are biting already—they always do for the Ravens—and Odell Beckham (ankle) may be the latest. But the Ravens had lost their last three in Cincinnati by an average of 13 points and made big plays when big plays were needed all afternoon Sunday.
Sporting News --7
Baltimore is No. 7 in Week 3 Power Rankings from the Sporting News.
The Ravens’ new-look offense is a work in progress for Lamar Jackson, but so far, so good, with better overall running and passing. The defense seems OK giving up more in the passing game if it can stop the run and make the key situational plays. Baltimore is back being the team to beat in the AFC North.
Pro Football Network --7
Pro Football Network has Baltimore at No. 7.
When Lamar Jackson has been kept clean in the pocket so far in 2023, he has been outrageously effective. Zay Flowers looks like a legitimate No. 1 so far through two weeks of play, and getting Mark Andrews back against the Bengals was a welcome sight.
USA Today--7
USA Today has Baltimore up four spots after beating the Bengals.
7. Ravens (11): Maybe it was the return of TE Mark Andrews, maybe it was a week of familiarity in new OC Todd Monken’s offense, but QB Lamar Jackson looked much better in Week 2. A team off to a hot start is benefitting from a scalding defensive pace, Baltimore’s D allowing 23 yards in the first quarter this season.
