The Baltimore Ravens are currently in the thick of a brutal AFC North arms race. If you're wondering who do the Ravens play next, the answer depends entirely on where we sit in the calendar, but the intensity remains a constant. Right now, every single snap feels like a playoff game because, frankly, in this division, it basically is. John Harbaugh’s squad isn't just fighting for a win; they’re fighting for seeding in a conference that is absolutely loaded with quarterback talent and defensive masterminds.
Lamar Jackson is playing like a guy who wants a third MVP trophy on his mantle. It’s wild to watch. One second he’s tucked the ball and is making a Pro Bowl linebacker look like he’s running in sand, and the next, he’s flicking a 40-yard touch pass to Zay Flowers. But the schedule doesn't care about highlights. The upcoming matchup is a stylistic clash that will test whether Baltimore’s defense can actually hold a lead in the fourth quarter—something that has been a bit of a sore spot lately.
Breaking Down the Matchup: Who Do the Ravens Play Next?
The Ravens are heading into a high-stakes showdown that fans have had circled for months. Whether it’s a divisional rival like the Bengals or a cross-conference heavyweight, the preparation in Owings Mills is notoriously intense.
Historically, the Ravens thrive when they can dictate the tempo. They want to run the ball down your throat with Derrick Henry, using that "King" persona to wear out defensive tackles by the time the third quarter rolls around. When people ask who do the Ravens play next, they usually want to know if the opponent has a run defense capable of handling a 250-pound locomotive. Most don't. But if the upcoming opponent features a high-flying vertical offense, the Ravens' secondary—which has dealt with some communication lapses this year—will be under the microscope. Kyle Hamilton is the chess piece here. You’ll see him at nickel, you’ll see him at deep safety, and you’ll definitely see him blitzing off the edge.
Why This Specific Game Matters for the Standings
Winning in the NFL is hard. Winning in the AFC North is a nightmare.
The upcoming game is pivotal because of the "common opponents" tiebreaker. If the Ravens drop this one, their path to a first-round bye becomes significantly more complicated. We aren't just talking about a "W" in the column; we're talking about home-field advantage in January where the Baltimore wind makes kickers cry. Justin Tucker is still the GOAT, but even he prefers not to kick in a literal hurricane if he can avoid it.
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The Ravens' next opponent brings a specific set of challenges. Maybe they have a disruptive edge rusher who can contain Lamar’s escape routes. Or perhaps they run a scheme that utilizes quick releases to negate the Ravens' aggressive blitz packages orchestrated by Zach Orr. It’s a game of cat and mouse that usually comes down to three or four plays in the red zone.
The Derrick Henry Factor and Offensive Identity
It’s still weird seeing Henry in purple, isn't it? For years, he was the guy the Ravens had to gameplan against, and now he’s the one punishing tired linebackers in the fourth quarter. His presence has fundamentally changed how teams answer the question of who do the Ravens play next from a defensive perspective. You can't just play "contain" on Lamar anymore. If you spread your defense out to stop the scramble, Henry will gashed you for 8 yards a carry.
Todd Monken has done a decent job of balancing these two titans. The offense isn't just "Lamar run, Lamar throw." It’s a sophisticated RPO (Run-Option) machine.
- The Power Run: Henry between the tackles.
- The Edge Threat: Jackson on the kept ball.
- The Deep Shot: Play-action to Rashod Bateman or Isaiah Likely.
This multi-dimensional threat is why the Ravens are never truly out of a game. Even when they're down two scores, the explosive potential is terrifying for opposing coordinators.
Defensive Concerns: Can the Secondary Hold Up?
While the offense is a Ferrari, the defense has occasionally looked like a classic car that stalls at red lights. They lead the league in some categories but have given up staggering yards in others. The "prevent" defense hasn't been their friend.
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When looking at who do the Ravens play next, the biggest red flag is usually the opponent's WR1. If the Ravens are facing a Tier-1 wideout, Marlon Humphrey is going to be on an island. We've seen some "explosive play" issues this season where a simple miscommunication leads to a 60-yard touchdown. Roquan Smith is the vocal leader, the guy hitting people so hard their ancestors feel it, but he can't cover everyone. The pass rush needs to get home. If the front four—led by Nnamdi Madubuike—doesn't rattle the opposing QB, the secondary eventually cracks. It's just the nature of the modern NFL.
The Coaching Chess Match
John Harbaugh is one of the longest-tenured coaches for a reason. He’s a special teams wizard by trade, which means he values the "hidden yardage." Whether it’s a perfectly timed challenge or a gutsy fourth-down go-ahead, Harbaugh plays to win. He doesn't play not to lose.
However, critics often point to his clock management in tight games. Against the next opponent, those split-second decisions—whether to take the points or go for the throat—will likely define the Monday morning headlines.
Scouting the Opposition: Strengths and Weaknesses
Every team has a "tell." The Ravens' next opponent might struggle against mobile QBs, or maybe they have a rookie left tackle who is prone to holding penalties.
Baltimore’s scouting department is widely considered the best in the business. They find guys in the fourth round who play like starters. Because of this, the Ravens often have a depth advantage late in the season. While other teams are signing guys off the street due to injuries, Baltimore usually has a "next man up" who has been in the system for three years.
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- Watch the turnover margin: If the Ravens are +2, they win 90% of the time.
- Third-down efficiency: Lamar’s ability to move the chains with his legs is a soul-crusher for defenses.
- Red zone percentage: Turning FGs into TDs is the difference between a blowout and a nail-biter.
How to Watch and What to Expect
The game will likely be broadcast on a major network like CBS or FOX, or perhaps a primetime slot on ESPN or Amazon Prime. Check your local listings, but more importantly, check the injury report. The "Questionable" tag is the most stressful part of a Ravens fan's Friday.
Expect a physical game. The Ravens don't play "finesse" football. They play "hit you in the mouth" football. Whether they are playing a division rival or a West Coast team flying in for an early kickoff, the identity remains the same.
Honestly, the Ravens are their own biggest enemy sometimes. Penalties at the worst possible moment have haunted a few drives this season. If they play clean, they are arguably the best team in the AFC. If they get sloppy, any team in the league can hang with them.
Actionable Insights for Fans
To truly get ready for the next kickoff, don't just look at the spread. Dig into the trench matchups. If the Ravens' offensive line can protect Lamar for more than three seconds, the game is usually over before the fourth quarter starts.
- Monitor the Practice Report: Watch for Ronnie Stanley’s status. The blindside protection is the most critical factor for Lamar’s health and success.
- Check the Weather: M&T Bank Stadium can be unpredictable. A rainy turf favors the Ravens' heavy run game over a pass-heavy opponent.
- Follow Advanced Analytics: Look at "Success Rate" per dropback rather than just total yards. It gives a much clearer picture of how the offense is actually performing.
- Set Your Fantasy Lineup Early: With the Ravens' balanced attack, guys like Isaiah Likely or Justice Hill can have "vulture" touchdowns that change a game but aren't always predictable.
The road to the Super Bowl goes through some tough territory. Understanding the nuances of who do the Ravens play next helps you see the bigger picture—a team that is built for November and December, eyeing a deep run in January.