American Football
Baltimore Ravens 2026 Preview: Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry, now backed by a Jesse Minter defense
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THE DAZN PITCH
Eight wins should not obscure the talent on this roster. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Kyle Hamilton and Trey Hendrickson form a championship-calibre core.
The health of the offensive line and how quickly Jesse Minter’s system takes hold are the two biggest concerns.
REWIND 2025
Baltimore’s 8-9 record did not reflect the quality of its roster.
Lamar Jackson remains one of the NFL’s most difficult quarterbacks to defend. Derrick Henry forces opponents to load the box, while Zay Flowers brings game-breaking speed to the passing attack.
The problem in 2025 was not a lack of weapons. It was Baltimore’s inability to put together complete performances week after week.
After the long John Harbaugh era, the franchise turned to Jesse Minter, one of the league’s brightest defensive minds, to revitalise the entire operation.
Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins combined for seven interceptions. Travis Jones added five sacks from the interior. Minter has inherited established playmakers, not merely a collection of star names.
The identity remains unmistakably Ravens. Run with power. Use Jackson’s mobility to stress pursuit angles. Then attack the spaces created downfield.
On defense, Minter also gains a major weapon in Trey Hendrickson. He joins Kyle Hamilton, Roquan Smith and a defensive front hoping to welcome back Nnamdi Madubuike.
The ceiling is a championship.
The main risks are the coaching transition and the protection directly in front of Jackson.
THE 2026 RESET
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IN |
OUT |
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EDGE Trey Hendrickson, G John Simpson, C Ethan Pocic, S Jaylinn Hawkins and DL Calais Campbell; contract extension for WR Zay Flowers. |
TE Isaiah Likely (Giants), EDGE Odafe Oweh (Washington), RB Keaton Mitchell (Chargers) and WR DeAndre Hopkins; the end of the John Harbaugh era and changes at both coordinator positions. |
Trey Hendrickson is an All-Pro-calibre addition who can help Baltimore generate pressure with a four-man rush.
John Simpson and Ethan Pocic are expected to stabilise the interior of the offensive line. However, Pocic’s recovery from an Achilles injury has complicated that plan.
Baltimore has raised its defensive ceiling while leaving the area directly in front of Jackson as its most vulnerable point.
KEY PLAYERS
Lamar Jackson: a unique dual-threat quarterback who changes the maths in the running game and punishes man coverage through the air.
Derrick Henry: Baltimore’s closer. The longer the game lasts, the harder his workload and physical running style become to withstand.
Trey Hendrickson: the new star pass rusher, capable of deciding third downs and taking over late-game situations.
Kyle Hamilton / Roquan Smith: the intelligence and physical force at the heart of the defense. Both will be essential to Minter’s aggressive system.
Zay Flowers / Mark Andrews: Flowers’ speed and Andrews’ ability to find space against zone coverage give Jackson two complementary answers when opponents commit extra defenders against the run.
Ronnie Stanley / Ethan Pocic: Stanley remains Jackson’s most important protector. Pocic is returning from an Achilles injury, and the battle at centre could continue throughout training camp.
Marlon Humphrey / Nate Wiggins: they combined for seven interceptions in 2025. Their man-coverage ability gives Minter the freedom to disguise pressure and attack opposing quarterbacks.
Travis Jones: his five sacks from the interior complement Hendrickson’s work off the edge. His presence prevents protection schemes from directing all their help towards the outside rushers.
TEAM IDENTITY
WHAT MAKES THE RAVENS DANGEROUS
Baltimore creates structural dilemmas for every defense.
To stop Derrick Henry, opponents have to load the box.
To contain Lamar Jackson, they must remain disciplined in their rush lanes.
To cover Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews, they need additional bodies in coverage.
Very few teams have the personnel to solve all three problems on the same snap.
On defense, Trey Hendrickson gives Baltimore a chance to generate consistent pressure with four rushers without sacrificing coverage.
THE WEAK SPOT
The interior of the offensive line and the learning curve under a new coaching staff.
If Pocic is not yet fully fit, Baltimore could experience communication errors, bad snaps, protection breakdowns and timing problems.
Jackson has occasionally tried to carry the offense by himself when the original structure breaks down.
That dependence can return in the playoffs if the offensive line loses too quickly.
CAMP WATCH
The offense has endured some uneven practices. The starting-centre job also remains unsettled while Pocic works his way back from injury.
Rookie wide receiver Ja’Kobi Lane has emerged as one of the most encouraging surprises of camp.
Nnamdi Madubuike passed his physical and was activated from the PUP list on 29 July.
That was a significant step forward. However, his return from a serious neck injury is still being managed cautiously.
THE KEY QUESTION
Can Jesse Minter build an elite defense immediately without disrupting Baltimore’s overall balance?
His system relies on disguised pressure and precise communication. If it clicks quickly, the Ravens will have another way to win when the offense falls below its best.
If the system takes two months to fully bed in, the race for the AFC North could become extremely tight.
THE DAZN BET MARKET
2026/27 NFL champion odds: 11.00
AFC North winner odds: 1.83
At 11.00 to win the championship, the Baltimore Ravens are joint-third favourites and are priced as genuine Super Bowl contenders.
They are also the favourites to win the AFC North at 1.83.
Decimal odds taken from the DAZN market on 13 August 2026. Odds are subject to change.
THE PLAYER TO WATCH
LAMAR JACKSON: a unique dual-threat quarterback who changes the maths in the running game and punishes man coverage through the air.
THE GAME TO CIRCLE
RAVENS @ COLTS
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Sunday 13 September • 1 pm ET / 6 pm BST
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Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis
Jesse Minter opens his Ravens tenure with Lamar Jackson leading the offense and Trey Hendrickson strengthening the defensive front. Their first test: Jonathan Taylor and the Colts’ running game.
THE DAZN VERDICT
Eight wins in 2025 should not disguise the quality of this roster. Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Kyle Hamilton and Trey Hendrickson give Baltimore a championship-calibre spine.
If the offensive line holds up and Minter’s system clicks quickly, the Ravens belong among the AFC’s leading Super Bowl contenders.
SEASON OUTLOOK
Floor: 9-8 if the offensive line struggles and the defensive transition takes time.
Most likely: 11-6 and the AFC North title.
Ceiling: 13-4 and a run to the Super Bowl.
This article was originally written by the DAZN editorial team and has been translated using AI.
AP PhotoIMAGN IMAGES VIA REUTERS CONNECT / SAM NAVARROAP Photo
