As the NFL schedule release draws near, all eyes are on the Baltimore Ravens—and for good reason. After two grueling seasons of opening against powerhouse teams on the road, the Ravens are hoping for a change of pace in 2026.

According to CBS Sports' Bryan DeArdo, the top wish for Baltimore is simple: no more primetime road openers against Super Bowl contenders. "Baltimore started the previous two seasons with daunting, primetime road openers," DeArdo noted. "In both games (at Kansas City in 2024 and at Buffalo in 2025), the Ravens lost close games that contributed to slow starts in both seasons."

This isn't just about avoiding a tough matchup—it's about setting the tone for a new era. With Jesse Minter taking over as head coach, the Ravens are eager to build momentum early. A softer start, like a home game against the Tennessee Titans, could give the team the confidence boost they need to rally behind Minter's vision.

But here's the catch: with Lamar Jackson under center, the Ravens are a prime-time draw. The league might still schedule them against marquee opponents like the Los Angeles Chargers, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, or Houston Texans in Week 1. After all, football fans love watching Jackson work his magic on the big stage.

For a team that's faced elite competition to kick off the last two seasons, a break in 2026 would be a welcome sight. Whether it's a softer opponent or a home-field advantage, the Ravens are hoping to flip the script and start strong.