You’re staring at the clock, checking the fridge for beer, and wondering exactly how much time you have left before Lamar Jackson takes the field. We’ve all been there. It’s the classic gameday panic. You know the Baltimore Ravens are playing, but the NFL’s scheduling is a literal jigsaw puzzle of broadcast rights, flexible scheduling, and time zone math.
When does the Ravens game start? Honestly, the answer depends entirely on which week of the season we’re in and whether the NFL decides Baltimore is the "Game of the Week."
For the standard Sunday slate, kickoff is almost always at 1:00 PM ET. That’s the "Old Reliable" slot. But the Ravens aren't exactly a "standard" team anymore. Because they’re perennial contenders with a high-octane offense, the league loves flex-scheduling them into the 4:25 PM ET window or even the primetime lights of Monday Night Football or Sunday Night Football at 8:20 PM ET.
The Logistics of the Kickoff Clock
Look, the NFL doesn't just pick a time out of a hat. There’s a science to it. If the Ravens are playing an AFC North rival like the Steelers or Bengals, expect that 1:00 PM slot unless it’s late in the season and the division title is on the line. If they’re traveling out West to face the Chargers or the Raiders, the game won't start until at least 4:05 PM or 4:25 PM ET.
Why the 25-minute delay on that late afternoon slot? It’s all about the TV networks—CBS and FOX. They need time to wrap up the early games and run about fifteen car commercials before the next whistle blows.
If you’re heading to M&T Bank Stadium, you’ve got to factor in more than just the kickoff. The gates generally open two hours before the game starts. If it’s a 1:00 PM game, you want to be through security by noon if you want to see the player intros. Those flames shooting up from the end zone tunnels? They’re way cooler in person, but if you’re still waiting in line for a pit beef sandwich at 12:55 PM, you’re going to miss them.
Why the Start Time Keeps Changing
The NFL has this thing called "flexible scheduling." It's basically a way for the league to ensure that the best games are seen by the most people.
Starting around Week 5, the NFL can move games from Sunday afternoon to Sunday night. They have to give at least 12 days' notice, so you aren't totally left in the dark, but it can still ruin your Sunday dinner plans. For Thursday night games or Monday night games, the times are set way in advance, usually at 8:15 PM ET.
Keep an eye on the weather, too. While it’s rare, extreme weather in Baltimore—like the legendary "Snowball Game" conditions—can occasionally lead to delays. However, the Ravens are a "mudder" team. They play in the rain, the sleet, and the humidity of a Maryland September. The game usually starts on time regardless of the sky falling.
Finding the Exact Time Right Now
If you are looking for today's specific kickoff, the most reliable way is to check the official Ravens app or the NFL’s digital schedule. Google usually has a "one-box" result that pulls the data directly from the league’s API.
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But here is a pro tip: don't just trust the "start time" listed on your digital ticket. That’s the time the ball is kicked. If you’re a bettor or a fantasy manager, you need to know the inactives list, which comes out exactly 90 minutes before kickoff.
- 1:00 PM Game: Inactives out at 11:30 AM.
- 4:25 PM Game: Inactives out at 2:55 PM.
- 8:20 PM Game: Inactives out at 6:50 PM.
Missing those 90-minute windows is how people end up starting a wide receiver who has a "questionable" tag and ends up in street clothes on the sideline.
Regional Broadcast Realities
Not everyone lives in Baltimore. If you’re a Ravens fan in, say, Austin, Texas, the start time is only half the battle. You need to know if you're actually getting the game on local TV.
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Unless it’s a national broadcast (Thursday, Sunday Night, Monday), the game is subject to regional maps. Websites like 506 Sports post maps every Wednesday showing which parts of the country get which games. If the Ravens game starts at 1:00 PM but your local station is showing the Giants, you’re going to need NFL Sunday Ticket or a trip to a sports bar.
Preparing for the Final Whistle
Ravens games usually last about three hours and fifteen minutes. A 1:00 PM start means you're headed home around 4:15 PM. Primetime games? You’re looking at a midnight finish. It’s a long day, especially if the defense is locked in a classic AFC North slugfest where the clock stops every two minutes for a penalty or a measurement.
Check your local listings, set your alarm for the 90-minute inactive report, and make sure your jersey is clean. The clock is ticking.
Actionable Steps for Ravens Gameday
- Check the Flex: If it's after Week 5, verify the start time on the Tuesday before the game to ensure it hasn't been moved to primetime.
- Download the Ravens App: This is the only way to get real-time notifications about weather delays or sudden scheduling shifts.
- Sync Your Calendar: Use the "Add to Calendar" feature on the Ravens official website; it automatically updates if the NFL shifts the game time.
- Plan for Traffic: If you're driving to "The Bank," add 90 minutes to your commute. Baltimore traffic around Russell Street is notoriously brutal on gamedays.