NFL Roundtable: Jackson has Ravens playing like Super Bowl contenders

Each week we sit down with TwinSpires columnists Ashley Anderson, James Scully, and Scott Shapiro to discuss the latest news from around the NFL. Today they weigh in on the Ravens' Super Bowl prospects, Aaron Rodgers' future in Green Bay, and the league's best 2-4 team.

The Baltimore Ravens have been decimated at running back this year. Do they still have enough weapons to make a Super Bowl run?

Ashley: As long as the Ravens have Lamar Jackson as a weapon, they have a fighting chance against any team. The defense also displayed huge improvement in Baltimore’s 34-6 win against the Chargers, but I worry about the team’s ability to string together enough strong performances on both sides of the ball to make a run toward the Lombardi Trophy. I’d love to see it, but I feel more confident in the Bills coming out the AFC. The Ravens drew a grueling second-half schedule and will come in weathered and worn come playoff time.

James: Yes. When Lamar Jackson gets rolling, Baltimore plays downhill. He elevates the performance of teammates, and despite injuries this season, Baltimore is positioned to make a deep playoff push because of Jackson’s improved passing skills. I won’t put anything past him. 

Scott: Sure, the Ravens can no longer count on moving the ball via the ground with the same efficiency, but they make up for with it a much-improved passing attack led by MVP candidate Lamar Jackson. Jackson has the best receiver group of his career and is throwing the ball better than ever. The Bills are the team to beat in the AFC, but Baltimore is not far behind. 

The Packers are 5-1 and Aaron Rodgers actually appears to be enjoying himself. What are the odds he’ll be back in Green Bay next season?

Ashley: I think Aaron Rodgers is ready to move on from Green Bay and still has his issues with GM Brian Gutekunst. Denver (where he was predominantly linked this offseason) would make a lot of sense as his landing spot next season, but the Pittsburgh Steelers have also been thrown into the conversation. Mike Tomlin reportedly wants a veteran quarterback to replace Ben Roethlisberger, and Rodgers spoke highly of Tomlin in a recent interview with Pat McAfee. It’s unlikely Rodgers would want to play behind the Steelers’ current offensive line, but it’s not out of the question to see the Packers QB jump ship to another storied franchise to close out his career.

James: Slim. Rodgers confirmed his desire to play elsewhere during the offseason, and Green Bay had to negotiate terms for his return. Those discussions remain private, but it’s fair to assume both parties agreed upon it being his last year in Green Bay. The Packers will still own his rights, and probably won’t trade him to a conference opponent, so I expect to see Rogers on an AFC team next season. 

Scott: Things are going well for Rodgers and the Packers, but I think it is a long shot for him to be back in Wisconsin next year. Instead, I expect the all-time great signal caller to land in a new spot and for Green Bay to start fresh after what has been an incredible run for the two dating back to 2005 when he was selected with the 24th overall pick in the draft. Denver is one of the landing spots that makes the most sense, but time will tell.

Who is the NFL’s most dangerous 2-4 team?

Ashley: I want to say the Patriots, but they are too turnover-prone to put much faith in their ability to close out games. Although they hung with two 5-1 teams in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Dallas Cowboys, the offense committed costly mistakes in both games, and the defense got hit with several injuries on Sunday. The Colts had a big day against one of the league’s worst defenses (Houston) in Week 6, but their injury issues on offense will keep them from going far this year, as well. It’s difficult to feel threatened by any of these teams at the moment, but the Patriots and Colts look like the two teams most capable of a late-season turnaround at this point.

James: New England. The Patriots started slowly with rookie Mac Jones, losing their first two home games to Miami and New Orleans, but they’ve played better of late and the schedule’s about to get easier. With the exception of a trip to the Los Angeles Chargers, New England should be favored in six of the next seven games, and the Patriots have the best chance to make the playoffs among the league's 2-4 teams.

Scott: None of the league's 2-4 teams are likely to strike fear into their opponent, but the Colts are the most dangerous. Not only are they getting healthier as a group after limping into the regular season, but they are in the worst division in the NFL. With an easy schedule the rest of the way, do not be surprised if Indianapolis bounces back from a 1-4 start and wins the AFC South.