2021 Baltimore Ravens schedule: Which games deserve to be in primetime?

Dec 14, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback M.J. Stewart (36) defends against Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown (15) on a pass play during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Stewart was called for pass interference. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2020; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns cornerback M.J. Stewart (36) defends against Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Marquise Brown (15) on a pass play during the first quarter at FirstEnergy Stadium. Stewart was called for pass interference. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
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Baltimore Ravens
Nov 1, 2020; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) rushes past Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker T.J. Watt (90) during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

3. Pittsburgh Steelers

Any time the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers meet, regardless of record or playoff importance, it makes for must-see TV.

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Despite only emerging in the last twenty years, the rivalry quickly emerged as one of the most competitive, evenly-matched, and hard-hitting in the NFL. It helps that one of the two teams is almost always the class of the AFC North. Since the formation of the North in 2002, either the Ravens or Steelers have emerged as the division winner in all but four of 19 seasons.

The events of this offseason may have stoked the fires of rivalry even more. Earlier this month, the Ravens successfully lured offensive lineman Alejandro Villanueva away from Pittsburgh. Shortly after joining the Ravens, Villanueva took multiple shots at his former team, including a veiled shot at wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster for his frequent social media posts. Ironically, Baltimore tried to sign Smith-Schuster but failed when the receiver took a lower offer to stay in Pittsburgh.

This year’s matchups against Pittsburgh could take on extra importance. This could be the final season that 39-year-old quarterback Ben Roethlisberger ever steps onto the field at M&T Bank Stadium. Roethlisberger restructured his contract to return for another season, and it may be his last. He comes into 2021 with an 18-11 overall record against the Ravens, including 2-1 in three playoff meetings.

Schedule