Ravens' 2026 Season Preview: Opponents Breakdown and Key Questions (2026)

The 2026 NFL season is just around the corner, and the Baltimore Ravens have an intriguing schedule ahead of them. Here's a deep dive into their upcoming matchups, with a focus on the teams they'll face and the key questions surrounding each contest.

Week 1: Indianapolis Colts

The Matchup: The Ravens kick off their season against the Colts in a highly anticipated clash. Last season, the Colts finished with an 8-9 record, missing the playoffs for the fifth consecutive year. This game will be a test for the Ravens' defense, which will be up against a quarterback in Daniel Jones who is expected to be 100% healthy after a season-ending Achilles injury.

Key Questions: Can the Colts improve on their recent struggles? Will the Ravens' defense be able to contain Jones and the Colts' offense, which is built around Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Alec Pierce, and Tyler Warren?

Week 2: New Orleans Saints

The Matchup: In Week 2, the Ravens travel to New Orleans to face the Saints. The Saints had a disappointing 6-11 record last season, but they've made some significant additions to their roster, including Travis Etienne and Zach Wilson. The question remains: is Tyler Shough, the young quarterback, ready to lead the Saints into NFC South contention?

Key Questions: Can the Saints' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Saints' offense, which now has more weapons at Shough's disposal?

Week 3: Dallas Cowboys

The Matchup: The Ravens' third game is a highly anticipated international matchup against the Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro. The Cowboys had an explosive offense in 2025 but struggled on defense, giving up the most points in the NFL. The question is: can the new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker, make significant improvements?

Key Questions: Will the Cowboys' defense step up and keep the Ravens in check? Can the Ravens' offense, led by Justin Herbert, take advantage of the Cowboys' defensive weaknesses?

Week 4: Tennessee Titans

The Matchup: The Ravens' fourth game is against the Titans, who had a disappointing 3-14 record last season. The Titans have made some significant additions, including Mitch Trubisky and Wan'Dale Robinson, hoping these moves will help young quarterback Cam Ward become more consistent.

Key Questions: Can the Titans' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Titans' offense, which now has more weapons at Ward's disposal?

Week 5: Atlanta Falcons

The Matchup: In Week 5, the Ravens face the Falcons, who had an 8-9 record last season. The Falcons have made some significant changes, including the addition of Tua Tagovailoa and the departure of Kirk Cousins. The key question is: who will win the quarterback battle between Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr.?

Key Questions: Can the Falcons' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Falcons' offense, which now has more weapons at Tagovailoa's disposal?

Week 6: Cleveland Browns

The Matchup: The Ravens' sixth game is against the Browns, who had a 5-12 record last season. The Browns have made some significant changes, including the addition of Deshaun Watson and the departure of Myles Garrett. The key question is: who will Todd Monken choose at quarterback, Shedeur Sanders or Deshaun Watson?

Key Questions: Can the Browns' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Browns' offense, which now has more weapons at Watson's disposal?

Week 7: Cincinnati Bengals

The Matchup: The Ravens' seventh game is against the Bengals, who had a 6-11 record last season. The Bengals have made some significant changes, including the addition of Dexter Lawrence and the departure of Joe Burrow. The key question is: will the Bengals' defense stop holding them back?

Key Questions: Can the Bengals' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Bengals' offense, which now has more weapons at Burrow's disposal?

Week 8: Buffalo Bills

The Matchup: The Ravens' eighth game is against the Bills, who had a 12-5 record last season. The Bills have made some significant changes, including the addition of DJ Moore and the departure of Sean McDermott. The key question is: will the change at head coach help put the Bills over the top?

Key Questions: Can the Bills' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Bills' offense, which now has more weapons at Josh Allen's disposal?

Week 9: Jacksonville Jaguars

The Matchup: The Ravens' ninth game is against the Jaguars, who had a 13-4 record last season. The Jaguars have made some significant changes, including the addition of Chris Rodriguez Jr. and the departure of Travis Etienne. The key question is: how will the Jaguars fill the void left by Etienne's departure?

Key Questions: Can the Jaguars' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Jaguars' offense, which now has more weapons at Trevor Lawrence's disposal?

Week 10: Los Angeles Chargers

The Matchup: The Ravens' tenth game is against the Chargers, who had an 11-6 record last season. The Chargers have made some significant changes, including the addition of Mike McDaniel as offensive coordinator. The key question is: will McDaniel unlock all the tools in Justin Herbert's box?

Key Questions: Can the Chargers' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Chargers' offense, which now has more weapons at Herbert's disposal?

Week 11: Carolina Panthers

The Matchup: The Ravens' eleventh game is against the Panthers, who had an 8-9 record last season. The Panthers have made some significant changes, including the addition of Bryce Young and the departure of Andy Dalton. The key question is: will Bryce Young solidify his place as the franchise quarterback?

Key Questions: Can the Panthers' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Panthers' offense, which now has more weapons at Young's disposal?

Week 12: Houston Texans

The Matchup: The Ravens' twelfth game is against the Texans, who had a 12-5 record last season. The Texans have made some significant changes, including the addition of C.J. Stroud and the departure of Deshaun Watson. The key question is: will Stroud get over how his 2025 season ended and return to prominence?

Key Questions: Can the Texans' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Texans' offense, which now has more weapons at Stroud's disposal?

Week 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Matchup: The Ravens' fourteenth game is against the Buccaneers, who had an 8-9 record last season. The Buccaneers have made some significant changes, including the addition of Zac Robinson as offensive coordinator. The key question is: will shaking up the offensive coaching staff lead to offensive improvement?

Key Questions: Can the Buccaneers' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Buccaneers' offense, which now has more weapons at Baker Mayfield's disposal?

Week 15: Pittsburgh Steelers

The Matchup: The Ravens' fifteenth game is against the Steelers, who had a 9-8 record last season. The Steelers have made some significant changes, including the addition of Mike McCarthy and Aaron Rodgers. The key question is: after 19 seasons with Mike Tomlin, can the Steelers remain heavyweights in the AFC North?

Key Questions: Can the Steelers' new additions make a difference? Will the Ravens' defense be able to stop the Steelers' offense, which now has more weapons at Rodgers' disposal?

Ravens' 2026 Season Preview: Opponents Breakdown and Key Questions (2026)

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