The 3 Most Exciting Games on the Ravens Schedule

The 3 Best Games on the Ravens Schedule

3. Week 10 vs Bengals

The AFC North is loaded with talent and all four teams have a legitimate shot at the division crown. However, going into the season, the Ravens and Bengals should be the frontrunners for AFC North supremacy, so their second matchup earns a high spot on the schedule rankings. Cincinnati finished the 2023 season with an underwhelming 9-8 record, but that disappointing campaign only happened because Joe Burrow missed half the season and never looked quite right even when on the field. Now, the former first-overall pick is back on his feet and has the talent to guide this team on a deep playoff run.

This is probably Cincinnati’s last great chance at winning it all. Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins will (probably) come back for one last season, but it’s hard to envision Higgins staying into 2025. The Ravens, meanwhile, had the most talented roster in football last year but need to adjust to several key free agent depatures. Will the Ravens be firing on all cylinders at this point in their schedule, or will the Bengals take the win? The answer to that question could determine who wins the division.

2. Week 1 at Chiefs

The Ravens kick off their schedule with one of the most anticipated games of the regular season. Baltimore made it to the AFC Championship Game last year but lost to Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. Ironically, the defense did their job, limiting Mahomes and company to just 17 points. However, the offense and coaching dropped the ball, as Baltimore scored 10 points while completely abandoning the run game despite early struggles from Lamar Jackson.

Revenge is a dish best served cold, and the Ravens have a chance to avenge this loss with their first game on the schedule. As mentioned above, Baltimore could have some growing pains as they try to replace multiple starters from the 2023 season. Kansas City, meanwhile, probably won’t have Rashee Rice or L’Jarius Sneed but will have Xavier Worthy, Trent McDuffie, Marquise Brown, and home-field advantage. The cards are stacked against Baltimore, but nobody should ever count out Jackson.

1. Week 17 at Texans

The penultimate game on the schedule could have long-lasting impacts for both the Ravens and Texans. As mentioned above, Baltimore should be in the thick of the AFC North race and could be battling for the top seed in the AFC. The Texans, meanwhile, could be right there with them. C.J. Stroud looks like the real deal, and Houston added an absurd amount of talent throughout the offseason. With Stefon Diggs fortifying a stacked receiving room and guys like Danielle Hunter, Azeez Al-Shaair, and Denico Autry fortifying the defense, this team could establish itself as one of the league’s elite units in 2024.