With the release of the 2026 NFL schedule, fans are getting the itch to watch their teams take the field again. We’re still months away from the regular season, and plenty of roster battles need to be settled, but predictions for the year are already funneling in. The Baltimore Ravens seem to be in the perfect position to return to the playoffs.
On paper, it looks like the Ravens drew a very easy start to their season. And while the end of their schedule gets a bit rough with a gauntlet of AFC North battles, they still have one of the easier schedules in the league. It just feels like they’re bound to make a run.
In Henry McKenna’s way-too-early playoff predictions for FOX Sports, Baltimore takes the five-seed in the AFC. The matchup awaiting them? A rematch with the Buffalo Bills. After what went down in Buffalo two years ago, the Ravens would love to get some revenge.
Baltimore Ravens stare down welcomed rematch in way-too-early playoff predictions
Since Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen were drafted in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, they’ve developed a big-time rivalry. It’s must-see TV when the two MVPs take the field across from one another. Unfortunately, the Bills and Allen have become a thorn in the Ravens’ side over the last several years.
Allen holds a 4-2 record over Jackson, winning the last two contests. Sure, it’s 2-2 in the regular season, and Jackson has certainly made some statements against Buffalo, but the playoff record is rough. Allen is a perfect 2-0 over Jackson in the playoffs. And that loss in the 2024 Divisional Round still pains Baltimore fans.
The divisional loss was extremely heartbreaking, not only because it ended the Ravens' season, but also because they were so close. The Ravens were a two-point conversion away from tying that game up late, but a critical drop by Mark Andrews ended their season. Getting the opportunity to right those mistakes would be a very welcome outcome.
Baltimore will get a chance to get some revenge on Buffalo in Week 8, but a win there just wouldn’t do it justice. It’s a game in the middle of the year that the NFL somehow scheduled for a 1 p.m. slot...not on primetime. Yes, getting a win in that one would be satisfying, but would it be revenge? Not really. If they want revenge, they’d need it in the bitter cold of January football.
Ultimately, fans are eager to see how 2026 plays out. If the Ravens do make the playoffs and face the Bills in the Wild Card round, it’ll certainly be one of the toughest draws they could get. Maybe the toughest. However, when it comes to competition, there’s nothing Baltimore should want more than settling the score with Buffalo.
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