The NFL schedule release is just around the corner, and anticipation is building for what promises to be an unforgettable 2026 season. NFL.com's Eric Edholm has already unveiled his list of the top 10 most anticipated games, and one matchup stands out as a must-watch for fans of fierce AFC North rivalries: the Baltimore Ravens visiting the Cincinnati Bengals, ranked ninth on his list.
At first glance, you might wonder why two teams that missed the playoffs in 2025 would generate such buzz. But as Edholm notes, "the storylines do run fairly deep with this one." This isn't just any regular-season game—it's a clash loaded with personal stakes and history.
The biggest headline? Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who spent five dominant seasons with the Bengals and led the NFL in sacks in 2024, will return to Cincinnati for the first time since signing with the Ravens in free agency. His homecoming promises to be electric, with fans and teammates alike eager to see how he performs against his former squad.
But the drama doesn't stop there. Both quarterbacks—Joe Burrow for the Bengals and Lamar Jackson for the Ravens—are coming off injury-plagued seasons, and Edholm suggests they're "entering career crossroads." Jackson will be working under a new head coach in Baltimore, while Bengals head coach Zac Taylor faces mounting pressure after three straight years without a playoff berth. For Taylor, a postseason appearance might be non-negotiable to secure his future in Cincinnati.
Adding to the intrigue, the Bengals haven't beaten the Ravens at Paycor Stadium since January 2023, when Sam Hubbard's iconic "Fumble in the Jungle" return—a 98-yard touchdown—sealed a playoff victory. That memory still lingers, and fans will be hoping for a repeat performance when these two bitter rivals meet again.
Mark your calendars: with the NFL schedule release expected May 13 or 14, this game is shaping up to be one of the season's defining moments. Whether you're repping Bengals stripes or Ravens purple, it's a matchup you won't want to miss.