The NFL schedule release is always an exciting moment for fans, and the Baltimore Ravens' 2026 slate is no exception. While we've known their opponents for a while, now we have the full picture of when and where the action will unfold. With a regular season win total over/under set at 11.5 on FanDuel Sportsbook—tied with the Rams for the highest in the league—expectations are sky-high. That's an ambitious target for a first-time head coach and a rookie offensive playcaller, and it's fair to wonder if the Ravens can live up to the hype. Our projection? An 11-6 record. Here's one way the season could play out.
Week 1: Ravens at Colts – Sunday, September 13, 1:00 p.m.
The Colts dropped 38 points on Jesse Minter's defense last season, the most any offense managed against him. Now, as Minter makes his head coaching debut, this game is a chance for redemption and a critical opportunity to win over the locker room. If Daniel Jones is fully recovered from his Achilles injury, this could be a sneaky tough matchup. But if the Colts roll with Anthony Richardson or Riley Leonard, Minter should have the upper hand. Indy's defense was suspect last year and didn't add enough firepower to slow down Lamar Jackson. Expect a strong start for Baltimore.
Week 2: Ravens vs. Saints – Sunday, September 20, 1:00 p.m.
Unless Tyler Shough makes a massive second-year leap, this could be the Ravens' easiest game all season. The Saints' offense is coming together nicely, but facing Minter's defense this early in the year is a tall order. New Orleans' defense, meanwhile, is still a work in progress. This one has blowout written all over it.
Week 3: Ravens vs. Cowboys – Sunday, September 27, 4:25 p.m. in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
There's a part of us that wants to believe Lamar Jackson can channel his inner Pelé for the NFL's first-ever game in Brazil. But reason prevails: everything is too new, too early. The Cowboys had an underrated offseason and won't be the pushovers they were last year. Can a brand-new coaching staff handle the challenges of an international game against a strong opponent? Right now, we lean no.
Week 4: Ravens vs. Titans – Sunday, October 4, 1:00 p.m.
This is exactly the kind of game that the Ravens need to win to build momentum. The Titans are a tough, physical team, but Baltimore's roster depth and experience should shine through. Expect a hard-fought battle that ultimately swings in the Ravens' favor.