NFL Power Rankings Week 9: Philadelphia Eagles make a statement vs JAX

12. Baltimore Ravens

Today was a rough day for the Baltimore Ravens.

Not only did they lose a road game to the Carolina Panthers that was never really close, but the Bengals and the Steelers both won, tightening up the AFC North into a very tight three-horse race (sorry Browns).

Now granted, the Panthers have proven themselves to be a pretty formidable opponent, as they’ve beaten a number of very strong opponents like the Bengals, Eagles, and now Ravens, but Norv Turner and Cam Newton picked apart a defense that many believed to be among the best in the league, putting up a season-high 36 points on the road.

With four more games against teams with winning records and three more divisional bouts left on their schedule, the Ravens will have to fight tooth and nail to get into the playoffs. But if their Week 9 defensive breakdown is the start of a trend, the Ravens could very well end up starting Lamar Jackson down the stretch with a playoff berth completely out of reach.

Joe Flacco, your job is literally on the line at this point, play well or find yourself on another team like the Jaguars or Giants this time next year.