“Fan” is, of course, short for “fanatic,” so sports fans, by definition, overreact to everything. Despite the 1-4 start, the Baltimore Ravens‘ season is not entirely over. After yesterday’s disaster, spirits are, of course, very low right now. This is especially true when the Defensive Coordinator gets a vote of confidence that feels like “the dreaded vote of confidence,” but there is still lots of football left.
With 12 games left to be played, you can still find plenty of reason for optimism, as long as you’re looking hard enough.
Here are the games left on the 2025 schedule that inspire some optimism.
Oct. 26 vs. Chicago Bears
As a lifelong Chicagoan, I can tell you, the current Bears are not your traditional Monsters of the Midway; not by any means. Caleb Williams has not been able to overcome the franchise’s poor history of quarterbacking.
Once again, they sit last in the NFC North division, a place that they have grown quite familiar with. This is a very winnable game, and it could be the one that welcomes Lamar Jackson back under center.
The following week, at Miami, is not a scary proposition either.
Nov. 16 at Cleveland Browns
You saw how the first meeting went, and given that, how can you not feel good about the next meeting?
Nov. 23 vs New York Jets
The only winless team remaining in the NFL? Yes, the NY Jets, the team that late-night comedians/talk show hosts love to make the butt of their jokes.
Both games with the Cincinnati Bengals
You’ve seen what Cincy is without Joe Burrow now. You’ve got to like the Ravens’ chances of sweeping the season series.
Both games with the Pittsburgh Steelers
The AFC North race is not over yet. The Steelers have been known to fade a bit down the stretch in recent seasons, with 2024 being a perfect example. If the Steel Curtain has another campaign in which the back half is worse than the front, well, Baltimore still has a chance of getting back into the division race.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens can find reason for optimism by looking closer at the schedule
