The Baltimore Ravens have one of the scarier schedules in the NFL this upcoming season, and that is expected for a team that finished first place in the division in 2024. Based on opponent win percentage, Baltimore’s schedule ranks the ninth toughest
The Ravens start the year with a gauntlet of Super Bowl contenders like the Buffalo Bills, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs. They cap it off by taking on a slew of division rivals, including two games with each of the Cincinnati Bengals and Pittsburgh Steelers.
The road to the playoffs will not be easy. Not only are the Ravens in one of the most brutal divisions in football, but they also must face some of the league’s best quarterbacks. Most of the top signal-callers reside in the AFC, and even those that play in the NFC, Baltimore will face, including Jared Goff, Matthew Stafford, and Jordan Love.
With a ruthless schedule, it can be easy to take some of the less dominant teams not as seriously. Head Coach John Harbaugh and the team usually do well to avoid this, but the potential of slipping up with an unrelenting year is certainly possible.
2 matchups the Ravens must avoid overlooking
Week 2: Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns are the basement dwellers of the AFC North right now. It has been downhill since acquiring quarterback Deshaun Watson, and heading into the regular season, the quarterback situation is in the air. By the looks of it, their starter could end up being a Baltimore all-time great in Joe Flacco, and the 40-year-old could get a taste of revenge.
Regardless of who the quarterback is, this is a must-win game for the Ravens. It is the only matchup within the first four weeks where they face a far inferior opponent. Week 1 against the Bills, Week 3 against the Lions, and Week 4 against the Chiefs are all matchups the Ravens could easily lose. If they want to stay at the top of the AFC playoff picture throughout the season, beating Cleveland in Week 2 is a must.
Week 8: Chicago Bears
Similar to the Browns matchup, this bout with the Bears is a let-up from the punishing early-season stretch. However, the Bears have a chance to make a ton of noise in 2025 and could be capable of anything. Quarterback Lamar Jackson tends to take care of his NFC opponents, but this is one they cannot take lightly.
Chicago has loads of young talent. Quarterback Caleb Williams’ potential is sky high, and if the revamped offensive line can put it together, he could be a top 10 quarterback this season. They also have the weapons to score at any time with wide receivers D.J. Moore, Rome Odunze, Luther Burden, and tight end Colston Loveland. While the threat of this team is potential-based, it is one that the Ravens cannot overlook.
The media expects Baltimore to win another AFC North championship this season, and many believe they could reach the Super Bowl. If they want to reach those expectations, Harbaugh and company must avoid any cracks in the road.