The Baltimore Ravens have officially released their 2026 schedule, which features some hotly anticipated matchups during Jesse Minter’s first season as head coach. Baltimore enters 2026 carrying championship expectations. Jesse Minter takes over a veteran roster led by Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, and one of the league’s deepest defensive units. Baltimore will navigate a difficult schedule loaded with AFC playoff contenders, division rivalries, international travel, and multiple primetime opportunities.
With the schedule now official, here’s an early game-by-game prediction for Baltimore’s 2026 campaign.
Week 1: Ravens at Colts — WIN (1-0)Opening on the road is never easy, but Baltimore enters the season with a clear advantage at quarterback (Daniel Jones’ Achilles) and overall roster depth. The Colts should be improved defensively, but Lamar Jackson’s dual-threat ability and Baltimore’s physical rushing attack create problems early. Jesse Minter starts his tenure with a controlled road win inside Lucas Oil Stadium.
Week 2: Saints at Ravens — WIN (2-0)The Ravens return to Baltimore for their home opener and draw a favorable matchup against the New Orleans Saints. The Ravens’ defensive front should dictate the tempo to Tyler Shough while Lamar Jackson capitalizes on explosive opportunities downfield. M&T Bank Stadium delivers an early-season playoff atmosphere, and Baltimore improves to 2-0.
Week 3: Ravens vs. Cowboys (Brazil) — WIN (3-0)International games always create uncertainty, but Baltimore’s veteran leadership should help navigate the travel challenges. The Cowboys, led by Dak Prescott, possess enough offensive firepower to keep things competitive, but Baltimore’s physical identity often translates well in unique environments. Expect Derrick Henry to play a major role as the Ravens leave Brazil undefeated.
Week 4: Titans at Ravens — WIN (4-0)Tennessee continues building toward long-term stability with Cam Ward, but Baltimore enters this matchup with major advantages across the roster. The Ravens’ offensive balance creates problems for a Titans defense still developing consistency. Baltimore handles business before a difficult stretch begins.
Week 5: Ravens at Falcons — LOSS (4-1)Sunday Night Football in Atlanta feels like one of the sneaky challenges on the schedule. The Falcons’ speed at the skill positions creates matchup issues regardless of whether Tua or Michael Penix is at quarterback, and primetime road games often test discipline and communication. Baltimore is the better football team on paper, but this feels like an early-season stumble before a tough stretch of AFC games.
Week 6: Ravens at Browns — WIN (5-1)AFC North football rarely comes easy, and Cleveland always presents problems inside Huntington Bank Field. Baltimore’s defense keeps the game and Deshaun Watson under control while Lamar Jackson makes enough late-game plays to escape with a division win. These games are usually ugly, physical, and decided late.
Week 7: Bengals at Ravens — WIN (6-1)Baltimore earns an important early division victory against Cincinnati. The Bengals have enough offensive talent to stress any defense, but Baltimore’s home-field advantage matters. Derrick Henry controls the pace while Lamar Jackson closes another critical AFC North matchup.
Week 8: Ravens at Bills — LOSS (6-2)Buffalo remains one of the AFC’s measuring-stick franchises, and November road trips to western New York rarely favor visitors. Baltimore can absolutely win this game, but the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park presents one of football’s toughest environments. Expect a playoff-caliber battle that narrowly swings Buffalo’s direction.
Week 9: Jaguars at Ravens — WIN (7-2)Thursday night football often creates unpredictable results, but Baltimore catches Jacksonville at home. The Ravens’ defensive front overwhelms the Jaguars offensive line, while Lamar Jackson creates explosive opportunities. Baltimore continues to build momentum as it enters the final stretch.
Week 10: Chargers at Ravens — WIN (8-2)Primetime football inside M&T Bank Stadium matters. The Chargers, led by Justin Herbert at quarterback, have enough talent to challenge Baltimore vertically, but Baltimore’s physicality becomes the difference late. Jesse Minter earns one of his biggest wins of the season under Monday Night Football lights.
Week 11: Ravens at Panthers — WIN (9-2)Baltimore avoids a potential trap game. Carolina continues improving, but Baltimore’s veteran leadership and playoff expectations prevent a letdown. The Ravens control the line of scrimmage and continue positioning themselves near the top of the AFC standings.
Week 12: Ravens at Texans — LOSS (9-3)Houston continues ascending toward AFC contender status, and road trips late in the season become increasingly difficult. The Texans’ speed and offensive balance create issues for Baltimore. This feels like a game where the Ravens compete well but ultimately fall short.
Week 13: Buccaneers at Ravens — WIN (10-3)December football often favors physical football teams, and Baltimore thrives in those environments. The Buccaneers remain dangerous offensively, but Baltimore’s defense forces critical mistakes. The Ravens take care of business as they enter the final month.
Week 14: Ravens at Steelers — LOSS (10-4)Aaron Rodgers changes the equation in Pittsburgh. AFC North football ignores records, trends, and momentum. Rodgers’ ability to diagnose coverages quickly, combined with Pittsburgh’s defense, creates a difficult environment. Baltimore drops a close game at Acrisure Stadium.
Week 15: Browns at Ravens — WIN (11-4)Baltimore completes the season sweep over Cleveland. The Ravens’ roster depth becomes increasingly valuable late in the season, and Lamar Jackson delivers another efficient performance as Baltimore strengthens its playoff positioning.
Week 16: Ravens at Bengals — LOSS (11-5)Thursday night road games inside the AFC North remain among the toughest assignments in football. Cincinnati earns revenge in a hostile Paycor Stadium environment. Baltimore splits the season series and enters Week 18 needing one final statement.
Week 17: Steelers at Ravens — WIN (12-5)Baltimore closes the regular season with a statement victory over Pittsburgh. Aaron Rodgers keeps things competitive, but Lamar Jackson responds in a massive regular-season finale. Baltimore secures another season of double-digit wins and enters January positioned for a deep playoff run.
Final record prediction: 12-5
The Ravens once again look like one of the AFC’s elite teams entering 2026. Jesse Minter inherits a roster loaded with veteran leadership and star power, while Lamar Jackson remains one of football’s biggest difference-makers. The schedule contains enough landmines to prevent a 14-win season, but Baltimore still feels built to win the AFC North and enter January positioned for another deep postseason run.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Predicting every game on the Baltimore Ravens’ 2026 schedule
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