Over their past four games, the Ravens went from 4-2 to 8-2 with victories over the Seahawks, Patriots and Texans — opponents with a current won-loss record of 23-7. Since the acquisition of cornerback Marcus Peters in a trade with the Rams on Oct. 15, Baltimore has not only ranked first in Football Outsiders’ opponent-adjusted metrics in offensive efficiency, but defensive efficiency as well.
Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson currently ranks fourth in the NFL in passer rating and 10th in rushing yards. Sunday’s 41-7 thrashing of the Texans was the most obvious example of a Baltimore’s vast improvement in all facets of the game, and the Ravens must be considered to be the league’s best team at this point in time.
The Packers, Vikings, Saints and Seahawks match the Ravens’ eight-win total, but could you say that you’d definitively take any of those teams over John Harbaugh’s squad? The Patriots and 49ers have nine wins this season, but Baltimore already handed New England its only loss in authoritative fashion, and the 49ers, who have looked vulnerable on defense over the past two weeks, will get their shot on Dec. 1.
Until then, and as the Ravens continue to separate themselves from the pack, the NFL is their world, and everyone else is just paying rent.