Our offseason opponent breakdown series on theRams.com continues with Los Angeles' Week 6 road opponent, the Baltimore Ravens (M&T Bank Stadium, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. PT on FOX).
2024
The Ravens' 2024 season saw a star-studded roster finish 12-5, led by MVP runner-up Lamar Jackson and rushing touchdown leader Derrick Henry. Baltimore's 3,189 team rushing yards led the NFL, spearheaded by Henry (1,921) and Jackson (915). The Ravens lost in the AFC Divisional Round for the second-straight season, as the Buffalo Bills prevailed 27-25 after Baltimore failed to tie the game late on a dropped two-point conversion attempt.
Key changes
Baltimore hasn't made many major changes to the roster or coaching staff since last season. It released 13-year former All-Pro kicker Justin Tucker after the worst season of his career in 2024, along with safety Marcus Williams.
In free agency, the Ravens added veteran wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, cornerback Chidobe Awuzie and two former Rams in inside linebacker Jake Hummel and offensive lineman Joe Noteboom on one-year deals, along with quarterback Cooper Rush on a two-year contract. They also re-signed offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley on a three-year deal and extended Henry for an extra two seasons.
Georgia safety Malaki Starks (27th overall, first round) and Marshall edge rusher Mike Green (59th overall, second round) were their most notable draft picks.
Head coach
John Harbaugh enters his 18th season as the Ravens' head coach, having signed a three-year extension this offseason. He boasts a 172-104 regular season record, 13-11 playoff record and one Super Bowl victory.
What to watch for
Rams' pass catchers versus Ravens' defensive backs
The Rams' revamped passing attack has added the potential for increased explosiveness and efficiency in 2025. All-Pro wide receiver Davante Adams, second-round tight end Terrance Ferguson and a healthy Tyler Higbee give the Rams an opportunity to surpass their production from last season, when they were the 10th-best passing offense in football (227.5 yards per game). Add that to the foundation that head coach Sean McVay, quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Puka Nacua have built over the past several seasons, and this offense looks dangerous.
Meanwhile, the Ravens' secondary retained the majority of their starting lineup, led by do-it-all safety Kyle Hamilton. They had an atrocious start to the 2024 season defensively, but then flipped a switch completely in the second half, allowing the seventh-fewest pass yards per game (218.8) and third-most sacks (26) from Weeks 10-18. Adding Starks, Green and Awuzie to the fold with minimal losses will only increase their stability heading into 2025. All those playmakers alongside star cornerbacks Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins make Baltimore a top-tier pass defense.
Week 6 will also feature some fun mind games between Rams head coach and offensive play caller Sean McVay and Ravens defensive coordinator Zach Orr, both of whom are considered great football minds.
