Ravens putting all playoff eggs in Lamar Jackson's basket

For most, there is only one person who can save the 1-5 Baltimore Ravens when it comes to their playoff aspirations, and that's Lamar Jackson.

With the two-time MVP winner sidelined for the past couple of weeks with a hamstring injury suffered against the Kansas City Chiefs, Lamar is expected to be back post-bye against the Chicago Bears.

And when he returns, all eyes will be on him to turn this embattled ship around.

As for head coach John Harbaugh, how hard is he hoping that Jackson's return is the positive vibe his team needs to get back on the playoff horse?

"If I was on the couch with a psychiatrist right now, if I was spilling it, I would have to say I'm leaning really hard into that, really hard," Harbaugh said. "For any kind of psychological wellbeing, spiritual wellbeing, I'm leaning hard on that happening. So, I'm very hopeful that that happens."

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Ravens need Lamar now more than ever

Is it asking too much of Lamar, who has missed the last two weeks with injury, to come back, hit the ground running, and play at an MVP level straight away? Most likely.

But many feel that is what the Ravens need to get themselves out of this huge hole and to have a chance of making the playoffs. Having played only one division game, the Ravens, despite their record, aren't out of it yet, but they need to stack up wins quickly.

Rightly or wrongly, this does feel like everything is on Jackson's shoulders when he returns. He plays well, and playoffs are still on the agenda, but if he doesn't or has a slip-up here and there, the Ravens' season will end with no playoff football.

No pressure, Lamar.

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