It’s been a rough few weeks for the Baltimore faithful. If you’re checking the schedule to see who will the ravens play next week, I have some news that might sting a little.
The Baltimore Ravens aren't playing anyone next week. In fact, they aren't playing anyone until September.
For the first time in a while, the Flock is watching the postseason from the couch. While the NFL Divisional Round kicks off this Saturday with the Buffalo Bills heading into the thin air of Denver, the Ravens are already deep into "what went wrong" mode at the Under Armour Performance Center. A heartbreaking 8-9 finish and a final loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers officially slammed the door on any January football in Baltimore.
Why The Ravens Are Missing From The Playoff Bracket
Honestly, it came down to the wire. You’ve probably seen the highlights—or lowlights—of that Week 18 loss. It wasn't just one game, though. It was a season of "almosts."
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The AFC North was a meat grinder this year. The Steelers, led by a resurgent Aaron Rodgers (who would have guessed that a few years ago?), managed to snag the division. Meanwhile, the Ravens struggled with consistency, particularly in the fourth quarter. It’s kinda wild to think that a team with Lamar Jackson could miss the dance entirely, but that’s the reality of the 2026 AFC.
If you were hoping to see them in the Divisional Round, you'll instead be watching:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (Saturday, Jan 17)
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (Saturday, Jan 17)
- Houston Texans at New England Patriots (Sunday, Jan 18)
- Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (Sunday, Jan 18)
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents Are Already Set
Since the Ravens finished second in the AFC North, we actually already know the slate for the next season. Even though we don't have the exact dates yet, the "who" and "where" are locked in.
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If you're already planning your 2026 road trips, the away schedule is brutal. Baltimore has to travel to Buffalo, Dallas, and Houston. Facing Josh Allen and C.J. Stroud on the road isn't exactly a "get right" recipe. On the flip side, M&T Bank Stadium will host the Jaguars, Buccaneers, and the usual divisional rivals.
The Home Slate
The bank will be rocking for the big three: Pittsburgh, Cincinnati, and Cleveland. Beyond the division, the Ravens host the Chargers and the New Orleans Saints. It’s a schedule that looks manageable on paper, but as we saw this year, paper doesn't account for late-game fumbles or defensive lapses.
The Road Trip Calendar
Traveling to Dallas to face the Cowboys is always a circus. Then there’s the trip to Atlanta and a visit to the Panthers. It's a balanced mix, but those conference games against the Bills and Texans will likely decide if the Ravens return to the postseason in 2027 or if we're having this same "why aren't they playing" conversation again next January.
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What Really Happened With the Defense?
Most people talk about the offense, but the real story of why we're asking who will the ravens play next week and getting a "nobody" for an answer is the defense. Zach Orr’s unit had flashes of brilliance, but they couldn't close.
There’s a lot of chatter about whether the secondary needs a complete overhaul. Marlon Humphrey is a cornerstone, but the depth behind him felt thin during the December stretch. You can't give up 300 yards to a 40-year-old Rodgers and expect to be playing in the Divisional Round.
Actionable Steps for Ravens Fans
Since there's no game to prep for, the "next steps" for the fanbase are all about the offseason.
- Keep an eye on the Draft order: Baltimore will be picking in the middle of the first round. Expect plenty of mocks linking them to a shutdown corner or an interior offensive lineman.
- The Lamar Jackson Contract Factor: There is already noise about restructuring his deal to find cap space. This will be the dominant headline for the next three months.
- Monitor the Coaching Staff: Whenever a team underperforms, the "hot seat" talk starts. While John Harbaugh’s job is likely safe, the coordinator spots might see some shuffling.
The road to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara doesn't go through Baltimore this time. It sucks, but it gives the front office a long runway to fix the gaps that led to this early exit.
Next Steps for the Offseason
You should start tracking the NFL Scouting Combine in February. That’s where the real work for the 2026-2027 season begins. If the Ravens want to avoid another empty January, they need to hit a home run on a Day 1 starter at edge rusher or cornerback. Keep a close watch on the Senior Bowl rosters as well; the Ravens have a history of finding gems like Kyle Hamilton and Zay Flowers by scouting those high-motor guys early.