Ravens coach John Harbaugh believes team can make playoffs despite rough start

Los Angeles Rams' Matthew Stafford credits defense for gritty win over the Baltimore Ravens.

The Baltimore Ravens are 1-5 going into their bye week, but head coach John Harbaugh still thinks they can make the playoffs. 

Only the 1970 Cincinnati Bengals, 2015 Kansas City Chiefs, 2018 Indianapolis Colts and the then-Washington Football Team in 2020 have made the playoffs after 1–5 starts since the 1970 AFL-NFL merger, according to NBC Sports. 

Harbaugh said much of his belief is rooted in star quarterback Lamar Jackson’s return from injury after the bye week. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on during the second quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, on Oct. 12, 2025. (Mitch Stringer/Imagn Images)

"Well, I’m leaning into (Jackson’s return) pretty hard," Harbaugh told reporters during a press conference Monday.

"If I was on the couch with a psychiatrist right now, if I was spilling it, I would have to say I’m leaning really hard into that, really hard. For any kind of psychological well-being, spiritual well-being, I’m leaning hard on that happening. So, I’m very hopeful that that happens."

Harbaugh, following the team’s 17-3 loss to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, said that he expected both Jackson and middle linebacker Roquan Smith to return from injury. 

49ERS COACH SAYS HEATED CONFRONTATION WITH RECEIVER JAUAN JENNINGS IN LOSS TO BUCS WASN'T 'THAT BIG OF A DEAL'

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh looks on during the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on Aug. 16, 2025. (Jerome Miron/Imagn Images)

Jackson hurt his hamstring in the