So, you’re looking at the schedule and wondering exactly who do the Baltimore Ravens play this year. It’s a fair question, especially after the absolute rollercoaster that was the 2025 season. One minute Lamar Jackson looks like he’s playing a different sport than everyone else, and the next, the injury bug bites so hard the depth chart looks like a hospital wing.
Honestly, the 2026 slate is a beast. It’s not just the usual AFC North slugfest—though playing the Steelers and Bengals twice a year is basically a legal requirement for high blood pressure. This year, the rotation has them crossing paths with some heavy hitters from the NFC South and the AFC South.
If you were hoping for a "get right" year with a soft schedule, I've got bad news. The NFL’s scheduling formula is many things, but "merciful" isn't one of them. Because the Ravens finished second in the AFC North last year, they get a "silver medalist" schedule, meaning they have to face the second-place finishers from the AFC East, AFC West, and NFC East.
The 2026 Home Slate at M&T Bank Stadium
There is nothing quite like a 1:00 PM kickoff in Baltimore when the humidity is still clinging to the harbor, or a freezing December night game where the bank is literally shaking. This year, the home crowd has some massive games to circle on the calendar.
Naturally, you’ve got the divisional rivals. The Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, and Pittsburgh Steelers are all coming to town. These games are never pretty. They’re usually decided by a Justin Tucker field goal or a goal-line stand that feels like it lasts an eternity.
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But the non-divisional home games are where things get weirdly interesting this year. The Ravens will host:
- Jacksonville Jaguars: Trevor Lawrence is always a wild card.
- Tennessee Titans: Expect a lot of bruising runs and physical play.
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: A cross-conference matchup that usually results in a lot of points.
- New Orleans Saints: The Superdome vibe doesn't travel, but the Saints always play Baltimore tough.
- Los Angeles Chargers: This is the "second-place" game. Jim Harbaugh vs. the team his brother used to lead? Yeah, the storylines basically write themselves.
Packing the Bags: The 2026 Road Games
Traveling in the NFL is a grind, but the Ravens have some brutal stretches away from Charm City this year. Beyond the three games in Cincy, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh, the road warriors have to head to some of the loudest stadiums in the league.
The trek to Buffalo to play the Bills is arguably the toughest draw on the road list. Josh Allen in late autumn or winter is a nightmare for any secondary. Then you have the Dallas Cowboys. Playing in "Big D" is always a spectacle, and for a team like Baltimore that prides itself on being "blue-collar," the glitz and glamour of AT&T Stadium is a fun contrast.
The rest of the road schedule includes:
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- Houston Texans: C.J. Stroud has turned that franchise into a perennial threat.
- Indianapolis Colts: A fast turf game that suits Lamar Jackson's speed perfectly.
- Atlanta Falcons: A trip to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- Carolina Panthers: On paper, this looks like a win, but "trap games" are the Ravens' secret enemy.
Who Do The Baltimore Ravens Play in the Postseason?
This is the question every fan starts asking around November. To get there, they have to survive the AFC North. Last year was a heartbreaker, finishing 8-9 and watching the playoffs from the couch after a Week 18 loss to Pittsburgh.
To make the dance in 2026, the path is clear: win the division. If they don't, they’re fighting for one of the three Wild Card spots. The AFC is currently a shark tank. You’ve got Mahomes in Kansas City, Allen in Buffalo, and Stroud in Houston. Basically, if the Ravens want to play anyone in January, the defense has to return to that 2023 form where they were essentially a brick wall.
The Strategy Behind the Schedule
You might wonder why they play these specific teams. The NFL uses a rotating formula so every team eventually plays everyone else over a four-year cycle.
- Six games against divisional opponents (Home/Away).
- Four games against a division within their conference (AFC South in 2026).
- Four games against a division from the other conference (NFC South in 2026).
- Two games against teams from the remaining two divisions in their conference that finished in the same divisional rank (Bills and Chargers).
- One game against a non-conference team from a division on a rotating cycle (Cowboys).
It’s a math problem designed to create parity, but for the Ravens, it usually just creates a lot of primetime stress.
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What to Watch For This Season
Keep an eye on the "Harbaugh-less" era transitions. With John Harbaugh out after nearly two decades, the new coaching staff's philosophy will be tested immediately against teams like the Bills and Texans.
The biggest factor is, as always, health. When the Ravens have their starters, they can beat anyone. When they don't, things get ugly fast. The 2026 schedule doesn't leave much room for error. If they drop those early games against the AFC South, they'll be climbing uphill all winter.
If you’re planning on going to a game, the home opener is usually the safest bet for good weather, but if you want the "true" Ravens experience, wait for that late-season Steelers game. It’s usually cold, miserable, and the best football you’ll see all year.
Next Steps for Ravens Fans:
Check the official NFL schedule release in May for the exact dates and kickoff times. Once those are locked in, you can prioritize which "revenge games"—like the Buffalo or Pittsburgh matchups—require tickets before the secondary market prices skyrocket.