Ravens' reason for hope down to 1 key player

The Baltimore Ravens will enter the offseason knowing that what transpired in 2025 can't happen again.

The franchise missed the playoffs after a disastrous start, and now, after seeing several key players leave, and only Trey Hendrickson coming in, the Ravens are banking on internal development and the new coaching staff to lift this group.

We know the Ravens have been near enough to the Super Bowl under John Harbaugh, but over the past decade, struggled to get to the big game. The hope is that new coach Jesse Minter can reinvigorate the team.

And for Sports Illustrated's Matt Verderame, his one reason for Ravens' hope in 2026 is all centered on one player -- Lamar Jackson.

"Another team with a new coach, and the Ravens’ top eight players are as good as anybody’s in the NFL," Verderame writes. "If Lamar Jackson is healthy, this is a dangerous team."

More: Buccaneers named best fit for 5-time Pro Bowler

Lamar under incredible pressure

And for a host of reasons, too.

Lamar is under pressure to finally get healthy, having dealt with little injuries for what feels like the last couple of seasons. And secondly, when he is healthy, he has to lead this team not only to the playoffs, but to a Super Bowl.

Like Josh Allen, Lamar has never played in the NFL's penultimate game, and the Ravens need to take advantage of Lamar's prime, which is right now.

So, there is enough pressure to go around in 2026.

And as expected for Baltimore, its Super Bowl hopes start and stop with No. 8.

More NFL news:

• Steelers' new WR unsure over QB position in 2026
• Bills urged to fix 1 key position for Josh Allen
• Chiefs look to reunite with 2-time Super Bowl champion?
• Commanders continue to be linked with star WR in free agency
• Raiders again linked with Pro Bowl QB
• Analyst gives compelling reason for Chargers' slow free agency approach
• Commanders linked with star WR for Jayden Daniels