Ravens 2023 Schedule Game-By-Game Analysis
The Baltimore Ravens finally know their schedule for the 2023 NFL season, and it's an interesting one to say the least.
Two of the Ravens' first three games are at home, but they won't have another home game after that for nearly a month. Additionally, Lamar Jackson and co. won't see a primetime game until over halfway through the season, but then have four of them very close together.
Now that we know the schedule, let's dive in and try to predict each game.
Week 1: Houston Texans
The Ravens begin their season with a game against the new-look Texans. This will be the NFL debut for Houston quarterback C.J. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in the draft. That fact will make this game an interesting one, but Baltimore should still have the edge here. WIN
Week 2: at Cincinnati Bengals
Next up, the Ravens face their AFC North rivals in a rematch of last year's Wild Card Round. Baltimore won the first game at home last season, but lost two in Cincinnati including the playoff game, albeit without Jackson for both of them. His return should signal another tight contest between these two heated foes, but the Bengals come out on top, narrowly. LOSS
Week 3: Indianapolis Colts
Another home game against an AFC South opponent is on deck for Baltimore in Week 3. The Ravens could face another rookie quarterback in Indianapolis' Anthony Richardson, the No. 4 pick in the draft, but the Colts could also wait to hand him the reins. Baltimore has won three straight against Indy dating back to 2017, and that doesn't seem likely to change here. WIN
Week 4: at Cleveland Browns
Back to Ohio for Week 4, this time to the northeastern part of the state. These teams split their series last year, with the home team winning each. The Ravens will be looking to end that trend in this early-season divisional showdown. WIN
Week 5: at Pittsburgh Steelers
Baltimore gets its road divisional games out of the way very early this season, traveling to face Pittsburgh in Week 5. These teams also split the series last year, this time with the road team winning both meetings. Despite starting for more than four seasons, Jackson has only started three games against the Steelers in his career, so hopefully he'll be able to go in this one. Still, Pittsburgh has a great chance on its home field. LOSS
Week 6: at Tennessee Titans (London)
Baltimore then heads across the pond to take on an old rival in Tennessee. The Ravens have only played in London one time before, which was a 44-7 blowout loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017. They'll be looking to change their fortunes in their second trip overseas. WIN
Week 7: Detroit Lions
There's little time to rest after the London game, as the Ravens host the Lions a week later. This will mark the first game in Baltimore in 28 days, the Ravens' longest stretch away from home of the season. The last time these teams met, Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker nailed a 66-yard field goal, the longest field goal in NFL history, to give the Ravens a walk-off win. One can only hope that this game is just as thrilling as that one. It's close, but the Lions escape with a win here. LOSS
Week 8: at Arizona Cardinals
The first game the Ravens will play against the NFC West comes at nearly the midpoint of the season, a road matchup with the Cardinals. Arizona looks to be rebuilding, and who knows if quarterback Kyler Murray will be back for this contest. Baltimore should have an easy time in this battle of the birds. WIN
Week 9: Seattle Seahawks
Speaking of bird teams, the Ravens welcome the Seahawks to Baltimore the very next week. This is only the Ravens' second game against a 2022 playoff team, although the schedule heats up down the stretch. This could end up being one of the most evenly-matched games of the season for both teams, but Baltimore has the slightest of edges. WIN
Week 10: Cleveland Browns
Halfway through the season, the Ravens finally get their first home game against a divisional opponent. The AFC North figures to be a bloodbath this season, and these two teams could be in the center of it. Baltimore has won its last three home games against Cleveland, and will look to continue that streak here. WIN
Week 11: Cincinnati Bengals (TNF)
This marks the Ravens' first primetime game of the season, and it sure looks like a good one. These two teams already don't like each other, and that animosity could grow even more by this point in the season. Look for the Ravens to defend their home turf like their lives depend on it, because they likely will. WIN
Week 12: at Los Angeles Chargers (SNF)
Back-to-back primetime games for the Ravens as they next travel to face the Chargers. This should be another close game, seeing as both finished with identical 10-7 records in 2022. It won't come easy, but the Chargers do just enough to win this game. LOSS
Week 13: BYE
It's a very late bye week for the Ravens this season. Only the Cardinals and Washington Commanders have later byes, theirs being in Week 14. Baltimore has won its game immediately following the bye in each of the last two seasons.
Week 14: Los Angeles Rams
To continue that streak, the Ravens will have to beat Sean McVay and the Rams. L.A. has undergone a major roster overhaul this offseason, but stars like Aaron Donald and Cooper Kupp still make the Rams an intriguing foe. Baltimore won't want to underestimate L.A. in this late-season matchup, but it should still emerge victorious. WIN
Week 15: at Jacksonville Jaguars (SNF)
Another primetime game has the Ravens traveling to face the AFC South champion Jaguars. Last season's matchup was a thriller, with Jacksonville mounting a fourth-quarter comeback to win 28-27. Baltimore will be out for some revenge this time around, but it won't come easy. LOSS
Week 16: at San Francisco 49ers (MNF)
The fourth and final primetime contest for the Ravens is a road matchup against the 49ers on Christmas. This figures to be one of Baltimore's hardest games of the season, as San Francisco looks like a clear contender once again. The Ravens will be hoping to find an upset win under their Christmas tree in this game, but that will be a tough gift to find. LOSS
Week 17: Miami Dolphins
Two straight holiday games for the Ravens, this one being a home matchup against the Dolphins on New Year's Eve. This is another rematch of a thrilling game last season, in which Miami stormed back to win 42-38 thanks to a monster performance by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. If this game is anything like that one, NFL fans will be ringing in 2024 in style. And for Ravens fans, they'll be happy with a win in any fashion. WIN
Week 18: Pittsburgh Steelers
Nothing like a classic rivalry game to end the regular season. This game could have massive playoff implications for the AFC playoff picture and could be flexed into a primetime slot. The Ravens would love nothing more than to close out the season with a win over their most-hated foe. WIN
If these predictions hold up, the Ravens will finish the season at 11-6, a one-game improvement from last season. That record will almost certainly be good enough for a wild card spot, and they could be in the mix for the AFC North. A lot can and will change between now and the end of the season, but this is a good benchmark to reach for.
Follow Jonathan Alfano on Twitter
Follow the Baltimore Ravens Daily Blitz Podcast
Follow Raven Country on TwitterRavens Alert!
Want the latest in breaking news and insider information on the Baltimore Ravens?
