Don't look now, but the Baltimore Ravens are suddenly back atop the AFC North.
With a thrilling overtime win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 5, the Ravens are now 3-2, winners of three in a row. They're tied for first in the AFC North.
After two weeks of a ground-and-pound offense, the Ravens had to a win a shootout over the Bengals. Lamar Jackson threw for 348 yards on 26-of-42 passing for 4 touchdowns.
With the win, the Ravens have jumped to fifth in The Sporting News Week 6 NFL Power Rankings, up from sixth last week.
TSN's Vinnie Iyer writes:
"The Ravens have flipped the script quickly after an 0-2 start despite having some more surprising pass-defense issues. Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry dominating in the running game has opened up the passing game for needed extra pop."
As Iyer mentions, the Ravens' lackluster passing defense is a concern. The Ravens, despite a deep, talented secondary, have already allowed 1,401 passing yards this season, second-most in the NFL. They allowed Joe Burrow to throw for 392 yards, 5 touchdowns, and 1 interception in Week 5.
It's encouraging that Baltimore can pull out a win, even while allowing that type of performance from an opposing quarterback. But as the season goes on, if the Ravens hope to regain their status as Super Bowl contenders, they'll need to clean up that defense.
The Ravens take on the Washington Commanders in Week 6.
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