The Baltimore Ravens didn’t need flashy plays or a high-powered offense to beat the New York Jets — just grit, timing, and two thunderous touchdowns from Derrick Henry. On Sunday, November 23, 2025, at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland, the Ravens pulled away in the third quarter to win 23-10, extending their winning streak to five games and finally reaching .500 at 6-5. The Jets, meanwhile, dropped to 2-9, their fourth straight loss, and remain trapped in the AFC East basement.
A Sleepy First Half, Then a Thunderclap
The game started like a slow-burning fuse. Neither team scored in the first quarter. The Jets managed just a field goal in the second, holding the Ravens to a quiet 3 points. Fans in the stands grew restless. The offense looked sluggish. Even Lamar Jackson, the Ravens’ dual-threat quarterback, looked off rhythm, completing just 12 of 23 passes for 143 yards. But as the third quarter began, everything changed.That’s when Derrick Henry, 32, turned back the clock. On back-to-back possessions, he bulldozed through the Jets’ defense for two 1-yard touchdown runs. The second came after a 17-play, 82-yard drive that chewed up 8:12 of clock. The crowd erupted. The Jets’ defense, which had looked sharp early, suddenly looked exhausted. "It was like watching a freight train hit a wall," said one longtime fan near the 50-yard line. "He didn’t run. He just… ended it."
Time of Possession and Defense Sealed the Deal
The Ravens didn’t win because they outgained the Jets — they didn’t. New York had 282 total yards to Baltimore’s 241. The Jets’ offense, led by rookie QB Anthony Richardson, actually moved the ball better early, averaging 4.9 yards per play. But here’s the twist: Baltimore held the ball for 31 minutes and 47 seconds. New York had just 28 minutes and 13 seconds. That’s not an accident. That’s strategy. That’s control.The Ravens’ defense, anchored by cornerback Marlon Humphrey, 29, tightened after halftime. They forced three punts in the second half and intercepted Richardson on a desperate fourth-down heave in the final minutes. The Jets’ offense, which had looked dangerous in the first half, went silent after the break — zero points in the final 30 minutes.
"We knew if we could just keep them off the field, our defense would wear them down," said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh after the game. "Derrick gave us that spark. And when you’ve got a guy like him, you don’t need to be perfect. You just need to be patient."
Standings Shift: Ravens Climb, Jets Sink
With the win, the Ravens tied the Pittsburgh Steelers for second place in the AFC North at 6-5. Both teams trail the 10-2 New England Patriots in the AFC East, but Baltimore’s momentum is undeniable. They started the season 1-4. Now? Five straight wins. Five straight reasons to believe.The Jets, by contrast, are unraveling. Their 219 points scored this season rank second-lowest in the NFL. Their 291 allowed are the third-most. They’ve lost four in a row since beating Miami on October 26. Their playoff hopes? Gone. Their roster questions? Mounting. "We played hard," said Jets head coach Robert Saleh. "But we didn’t finish. And in this league, that’s the difference between being competitive and being irrelevant."
The Bigger Picture: A Team Reborn
This win wasn’t just about points. It was about identity. The Ravens haven’t had a running back carry the load like Henry has these past five weeks. At 32, he’s not supposed to be this dominant. But he is. He’s averaging 5.8 yards per carry since Week 8. He’s scored 8 touchdowns in his last 4 games. He’s turning a team that once relied on Jackson’s arm into one that can grind opponents into dust.Their next test? A road game against the Steelers on November 30. That’s a classic AFC North slugfest — a game that could decide home-field advantage in the playoffs. For the Jets? A home game against the Patriots at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. A win there would be their first since October. A loss? A 5-game skid, and a long, cold winter ahead.
Historical Context: Ravens Dominate the Rivalry
Sunday’s game was the 14th regular-season meeting between the Ravens and Jets since the 2002 NFL realignment. Baltimore now leads the series 9-5. The last time the Jets won in Baltimore? 2017. Since then, they’ve lost six straight in the city. And with Henry running like a man possessed and Jackson quietly orchestrating, it’s hard to see that trend changing anytime soon.Frequently Asked Questions
How did Derrick Henry’s performance impact the Ravens’ playoff chances?
Henry’s two touchdowns and 127 rushing yards against the Jets were the offensive catalyst for Baltimore’s fifth straight win. His consistency — averaging 5.8 yards per carry over the last five games — has turned the Ravens into a balanced threat. With Henry carrying the load, Lamar Jackson can manage games instead of carrying them, which improves their chances of winning close contests in December. That balance is critical for a deep playoff run.
Why did the Jets’ early success fade after halftime?
The Jets’ offense relied on big plays early, but Baltimore’s defense adjusted by tightening coverage and stacking the box to limit explosive runs. Rookie QB Anthony Richardson, pressured consistently after the break, threw into tight windows and was intercepted late. The Ravens also controlled the clock, limiting New York’s offensive snaps by over 15% in the second half. Fatigue, scheme, and time of possession doomed their momentum.
What does this win mean for the AFC North race?
The Ravens now sit tied with the Steelers at 6-5, just one game behind the 7-4 Bengals and two behind the 10-2 Patriots. With the Steelers also on a hot streak, the division is wide open. A win in Pittsburgh on November 30 could put Baltimore in sole possession of second place — and give them a realistic shot at hosting a playoff game. Losing? They’d fall behind in tiebreakers and need help from other teams.
Is Lamar Jackson’s role changing with Henry’s resurgence?
Absolutely. Jackson’s passing stats are down this season, but his efficiency is up. He’s throwing fewer interceptions and making smarter decisions. With Henry as the focal point, Jackson is playing more like a game manager than a highlight reel. That’s not a downgrade — it’s evolution. In January, when the weather turns brutal and defenses tighten, that version of Jackson is exactly what the Ravens need to win in the playoffs.
What’s the biggest concern for the Ravens moving forward?
Their offensive line. Despite Henry’s success, the Ravens allowed three sacks against the Jets and struggled in pass protection early. If the line falters against Pittsburgh’s aggressive front seven, Jackson could be under siege. Protecting him — and keeping Henry clean — will be the difference between a deep playoff run and an early exit.
Can the Jets recover this season?
Realistically, no. With a 2-9 record and a brutal schedule ahead — including games against New England, Kansas City, and Buffalo — their playoff math is impossible. Their focus now is evaluating young talent: Richardson’s development, the offensive line’s consistency, and whether head coach Robert Saleh can turn this into a rebuild rather than a collapse. The 2026 draft could be their real turning point.