A third MVP trophy for Lamar Jackson seems highly likely in 2025.

It’s going to be an interesting season for the Baltimore Ravens. Championship windows close quickly in the NFL. The Flock can’t assume they’ll be an exception to the rule.

Make no mistake. They’re still the AFC North’s most talented team and defending champion. They are expected to again be among the realistic contenders.

Still, though their path to glory is seemingly wide open, they must know that they can’t take anything for granted. Nothing will be handed to them. They’ll have to fight for everything. They’ll get everyone’s best shot all season long.

The defense is talented and has added safety Malaki Starks and edge rusher Mike Green. Derrick Henry will be reinvigorated thanks to a new extension. And, how can we mention the Ravens without bringing up the offensive signal-caller in the Number 8 jersey?

Three games that will increase Lamar Jackson’s chances of winning a third MVP trophy.

“They’re going to get a Super Bowl out of me. Believe that.” Those were the words of a confident Lamar Jackson on draft night in 2018, and though Ravens fans have had to exhibit more patience than they would have hoped, no one believes the two-time MVP isn’t capable of delivering on that promise.

Baltimore’s best opportunities came during the two most recent campaigns. Both ended in heartbreak. They lost the AFC Championship Game at home to conclude the 2023-24 season, and they were bounced even earlier this past January thanks to a Divisional Round loss.

The goal hasn’t changed. It’s Super Bowl or bust. Again, it won’t be easy. There are tough stretches to begin and conclude the coming season.

If Action Jackson does his part, and we assume he will, the Ravens will make another deep postseason run, and QB1 can earn two pieces of hardware. One will be his first Super Bowl ring. The other will be his third MVP trophy. Here are the top games that will help usher him to the latter.

Ravens at Buffalo Bills – Week 1 (September 7)

If Lamar is to reclaim the MVP trophy, he’ll have to take it back from the man who took it from him last season, Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen. Jackson’s Ravens have taken Allen and the Bills‘ measure during three of four regular-season meetings. Lamar is 2-1 as a starter, but Allen’s record is a perfect 2-0 vs. Lamar and company during the postseason, and there’s a chance that paths may cross again come January.

We’re a long way from that discussion. First things first: This budding rivalry will be renewed in Week 1 of the coming season as Baltimore opens its journey on the road again.

The AFC won’t be won on this day, but an important head-to-head win will be awarded that may determine postseason seeding later. Though 16 games will remain on the slate for both quarterbacks after this one, a close watch will be given to how they performed against one another.

Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs – Week 4 (September 28)

Every conversation about the MVP race will, at some point, include Patrick Mahomes, and that will probably be the case for most of the Kansas City Chiefs star’s career. This is another road game for the Ravens. The stakes will be high, but here’s a serious question.

Why isn’t this one in primetime?

Cincinnati Bengals at Ravens – Week 13 (Thanksgiving Night)

The holiday season ensures good tidings and family get-togethers. Thanksgiving ensures an NFL triple-header. The third game features the Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals.

Once most of the country settles in after a long afternoon of eating, they’ll let their food settle and, more than likely, digest some AFC North action. This will be Baltimore’s first divisional game vs. a team not named the Cleveland Browns, and a national audience viewing a game featuring Jackson and Joe Burrow will undoubtedly use this one as a measuring stick for where the MVP race is.

Both Ravens games vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers (December 7 & TBD)

It doesn’t matter what the records are. It doesn’t matter how bad the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to be. This rivalry always brings eyes to the television. It always has some bearing, and this time around, it could settle both the AFC North and the 2025 MVP race.

Pittsburgh never fires coaches. They’ve only had three in their history, but don’t be shocked if questions are asked about whether or not Mike Tomlin should be on the hot seat.

How bizarre would it be if the Ravens were the team that ended the era during the regular season finale for both teams? Hey, this is the NFL. Nothing is impossible. Everything is a story. Everything is a possibility.