The 2026 NFL season is just around the corner, and the Baltimore Ravens have an intriguing schedule ahead of them. Here's a breakdown of their upcoming opponents, with a focus on the key questions and potential storylines for each game.
Week 1: Indianapolis Colts
The Ravens kick off their season against the Colts, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The biggest question mark for Indianapolis is the health of quarterback Daniel Jones, who is expected to return from his Achilles injury. The Colts' offense, led by Jones, running back Jonathan Taylor, and wide receiver Alec Pierce, will be a test for the Ravens' defense. The Ravens will be looking to establish their defensive scheme early in the season, and this game could set the tone for their defensive approach.
Week 2: New Orleans Saints
In Week 2, the Ravens travel to New Orleans to face the Saints, who are in the midst of a rebuild. The biggest question for the Saints is the readiness of young quarterback Tyler Shough to lead the team. The Ravens, on the other hand, will be looking to establish their offense and find a consistent rhythm. The game could be a battle of young quarterbacks, with Shough and the Ravens' own Shedeur Sanders both looking to make a statement.
Week 3: Dallas Cowboys
The Ravens' third game is a highly anticipated international matchup against the Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro. The Cowboys, led by quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receivers Cee Dee Lamb and George Pickens, have an explosive offense. However, their defense gave up the most points in the NFL last season. The Ravens will be looking to take advantage of this weakness and establish their own offensive identity. The game could be a showcase for the Ravens' new-look defense, led by coordinator Mike Rutenberg.
Week 4: Tennessee Titans
In Week 4, the Ravens return home to face the Tennessee Titans, who are looking to build on the success of their young quarterback, Cam Ward. The Ravens will be looking to establish their running game and control the tempo of the game. The Titans, led by Ward and a solid defense under new coordinator Robert Saleh, will be a tough test for the Ravens' offense.
Week 5: Atlanta Falcons
The Ravens' fifth game is a highly anticipated matchup against the Atlanta Falcons, who are looking to rebuild under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. The biggest question for the Falcons is the quarterback situation, with both Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. vying for the starting job. The Ravens will be looking to take advantage of any quarterback instability and establish their own offensive rhythm.
Week 6: Cleveland Browns
In Week 6, the Ravens travel to Cleveland to face the Browns, who are in the midst of a transition. The biggest question for the Browns is the quarterback situation, with both Shedeur Sanders and Deshaun Watson vying for the starting job. The Ravens will be looking to establish their defense and control the tempo of the game. The game could be a showcase for the Ravens' new-look defense, led by coordinator Mike Rutenberg.
Week 7: Cincinnati Bengals
The Ravens' seventh game is a highly anticipated matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The biggest question for the Bengals is the health of quarterback Joe Burrow and the development of their young wide receivers. The Ravens will be looking to establish their offense and take advantage of any defensive weaknesses.
Week 8: Buffalo Bills
In Week 8, the Ravens travel to Buffalo to face the Bills, who are looking to build on their successful 2025 season. The biggest question for the Bills is the transition from head coach Sean McDermott to new coach Joe Brady. The Ravens will be looking to establish their running game and control the tempo of the game. The Bills, led by star quarterback Josh Allen, will be a tough test for the Ravens' defense.
Week 9: Jacksonville Jaguars
The Ravens' ninth game is a highly anticipated matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, who are looking to repeat as AFC South champions. The biggest question for the Jaguars is the replacement of running back Travis Etienne, who was traded to the Colts. The Ravens will be looking to establish their running game and control the tempo of the game. The Jaguars, led by quarterback Trevor Lawrence, will be a tough test for the Ravens' defense.
Week 10: Los Angeles Chargers
In Week 10, the Ravens travel to Los Angeles to face the Chargers, who are looking to build on their successful 2025 season. The biggest question for the Chargers is the development of quarterback Justin Herbert and the integration of new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel. The Ravens will be looking to establish their defense and control the tempo of the game. The game could be a showcase for the Ravens' new-look defense, led by coordinator Jesse Minter.
Week 11: Carolina Panthers
The Ravens' 11th game is a highly anticipated matchup against the Carolina Panthers, who are looking to build on the success of their young quarterback, Bryce Young. The biggest question for the Panthers is the development of Young and the integration of new head coach Dave Canales. The Ravens will be looking to establish their running game and control the tempo of the game. The Panthers, led by Young and a solid defense, will be a tough test for the Ravens' offense.
Week 12: Houston Texans
In Week 12, the Ravens travel to Houston to face the Texans, who are looking to build on the success of their young quarterback, C.J. Stroud. The biggest question for the Texans is the development of Stroud and the integration of new head coach DeMeco Ryans. The Ravens will be looking to establish their defense and control the tempo of the game. The Texans, led by Stroud and a solid defense, will be a tough test for the Ravens' offense.
Week 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Ravens' 14th game is a highly anticipated matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The biggest question for the Buccaneers is the quarterback situation, with both Baker Mayfield and Jake Browning vying for the starting job. The Ravens will be looking to establish their running game and control the tempo of the game. The Buccaneers, led by Mayfield and a solid defense, will be a tough test for the Ravens' offense.
Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers
In Week 15, the Ravens travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers, who are looking to build on the success of their veteran quarterback, Ben Roethlisberger. The biggest question for the Steelers is the transition from Roethlisberger to new quarterback Drew Allar. The Ravens will be looking to establish their running game and control the tempo of the game. The Steelers, led by Allar and a solid defense, will be a tough test for the Ravens' offense.
As the Ravens prepare for their 2026 season, they will be looking to establish their identity and find consistency on both sides of the ball. The schedule ahead of them is filled with intriguing matchups and key questions that will shape their season. The Ravens will need to find answers quickly and establish their dominance in the AFC North and beyond.
