The 2026 NFL schedule is almost here, and Ravens fans are already buzzing with anticipation. While we know who the Ravens will play and where, the question of when these matchups will take place adds an extra layer of excitement. Here are five games that Ravens fans should be particularly stoked for, each offering a unique blend of history, rivalry, and potential storylines.
Lamar Jackson vs. Josh Allen: A Battle of AFC Heavyweights
Anytime Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen square off, it's a marquee matchup. Last season, the Ravens opened in primetime at Buffalo, dominating for three quarters before a stunning fourth-quarter comeback by the Bills. This defeat set an uphill tone for the Ravens' disappointing 2025 season. Now, with both teams undergoing coaching changes, the slate is wiped clean. Head Coach Jesse Minter will lead the Ravens into Buffalo's new home field, Highmark Stadium, for the first time. The Ravens need payback, and this game, regardless of scheduling, will be circled on the calendar. The question remains: can the Ravens overcome their recent struggles in Buffalo and emerge victorious?
Trey Hendrickson's Return to Cincinnati
Baltimore's trip to Cincinnati will have special meaning for outside linebacker Trey Hendrickson, who left the Bengals to sign with the Ravens this offseason. Hendrickson would love to make life miserable for quarterback Joe Burrow in a triumphant return against his former team. Burrow, seeking redemption, wants to bounce back against the Ravens, who blanked the Bengals 24-0 in Cincinnati last season. The Bengals, after missing the playoffs for a third straight season, have made major offseason upgrades to their defense. Will Hendrickson and the Ravens defense cook against Burrow? Or will Burrow and All-Pro receiver Ja'Marr Chase give Baltimore's defense major problems? The Ravens-Bengals rivalry just keeps getting better.
Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers: A New Era
Minter has emphasized winning at home, and beating the Steelers is always a major point of emphasis for the Ravens. A heartbreaking 26-24 loss at Pittsburgh in the regular-season finale sent the Ravens home, eliminating them from the playoffs. Now, with Minter and new Steelers Head Coach Mike McCarthy leading this rivalry into a new era, the standard remains the same. Ravens rookies can learn from veteran teammates about the rivalry, and the sentiment remains: 'You're not a Raven until you beat the Steelers.' This game promises to be an emotional affair, with Minter seeking to make sure the Ravens walk away with a win.
Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys in Rio de Janeiro
The NFL's first game in Rio de Janeiro will be a unique challenge for the Ravens. The team that handles the atmosphere best will have an advantage. The Ravens last faced the Cowboys in 2024, beating them in Dallas. However, Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott threw for more yards last season than anyone except Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff. This early-season test will be crucial for the Ravens' new-look defense under Minter and Defensive Coordinator Anthony Weaver. The international setting adds an extra layer of intrigue, and the Ravens will be looking to make a statement on the global stage.
Minter vs. Harbaugh: A Family Affair
Jim Harbaugh will be on the sidelines to face the Ravens, coaching against Minter, who was Harbaugh's defensive coordinator with the Chargers for the past two seasons. Minter and Harbaugh go way back, having won a national championship together at Michigan in 2023. This game promises to be an emotional affair, with one of these coaches walking away smiling. The Ravens want to make sure it's Minter, and this game will be a testament to the deep-rooted rivalry between the two coaches and their respective teams.
