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The lights feel brighter. The stakes somehow feel heavier. Social media gets louder. Lamar Jackson does Lamar Jackson things, and Baltimore Ravens fans everywhere collectively convince themselves that sleep is optional for the sake of football loyalty.
The NFL knows exactly what it’s doing. That's why it feels almost strange that Baltimore does not appear slated for a standalone game during the regular-season opening weekend, at least based on the announcements trickling out ahead of the full schedule release on May 14. Still, let's not confuse a delayed invitation with an actual snub.
As long as Lamar Jackson is wearing purple and he's surrounded by stars like Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and now Trey Hendrickson, among others, the Ravens will remain appointment television. That's simply the reality. Few teams combine star power, physicality, brand recognition, and competitive intrigue the way Baltimore does.
Even with a coaching transition underway following John Harbaugh’s departure and Jesse Minter’s arrival, the Ravens remain one of the league's easiest sells for nationally televised games. One matchup is already official.
Baltimore will face the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil during Week 3, giving the NFL another international showcase featuring one of its most recognizable franchises and one of its most electrifying quarterbacks. Beyond that, the rest remains open to speculation, and you can best believe the theories are overflowing.
Garrett Downing recently joined the Ravens' social media team and offered his own schedule predictions. They include four primetime matchups, a holiday appearance, and a marquee showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. Honestly? That feels about right.
The Ravens have played on Thanksgiving or Christmas in each of the past three seasons, and it's difficult to imagine the league suddenly deciding that America needs less Lamar Jackson during family gatherings. Holiday football has practically become part of Baltimore's annual routine. Then there are the obvious primetime candidates.
Cincinnati always makes sense. Games vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers practically demand it. Any matchup involving Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or major playoff implications becomes an easy scheduling win for the league office. Even with uncertainty surrounding the full slate, one thing feels safe to predict.
The Ravens may not headline opening weekend, but the NFL is not about to spend an entire season keeping one of its most marketable teams hidden in the 1 p.m. window. If history tells us anything, Baltimore’s invitation to the national stage isn't a matter of if, but when. Whether it’s under holiday lights, in a heated AFC North slugfest, or during some late-season heavyweight showdown with playoff implications, the Ravens and Lamar Jackson remain far too compelling for the NFL to keep tucked away in regional broadcasts for long.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens insider shares his predictions for Baltimore's 2026 schedule
Continue reading...
The NFL knows exactly what it’s doing. That's why it feels almost strange that Baltimore does not appear slated for a standalone game during the regular-season opening weekend, at least based on the announcements trickling out ahead of the full schedule release on May 14. Still, let's not confuse a delayed invitation with an actual snub.
The Ravens remain one of the NFL’s most reliable attractions.
As long as Lamar Jackson is wearing purple and he's surrounded by stars like Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, and now Trey Hendrickson, among others, the Ravens will remain appointment television. That's simply the reality. Few teams combine star power, physicality, brand recognition, and competitive intrigue the way Baltimore does.
Even with a coaching transition underway following John Harbaugh’s departure and Jesse Minter’s arrival, the Ravens remain one of the league's easiest sells for nationally televised games. One matchup is already official.
Baltimore will face the Dallas Cowboys in Brazil during Week 3, giving the NFL another international showcase featuring one of its most recognizable franchises and one of its most electrifying quarterbacks. Beyond that, the rest remains open to speculation, and you can best believe the theories are overflowing.
Ravens insider believes that holiday and primetime football feel almost inevitable
Garrett Downing recently joined the Ravens' social media team and offered his own schedule predictions. They include four primetime matchups, a holiday appearance, and a marquee showdown with the Cincinnati Bengals. Honestly? That feels about right.
The Ravens have played on Thanksgiving or Christmas in each of the past three seasons, and it's difficult to imagine the league suddenly deciding that America needs less Lamar Jackson during family gatherings. Holiday football has practically become part of Baltimore's annual routine. Then there are the obvious primetime candidates.
Cincinnati always makes sense. Games vs. the Pittsburgh Steelers practically demand it. Any matchup involving Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, or major playoff implications becomes an easy scheduling win for the league office. Even with uncertainty surrounding the full slate, one thing feels safe to predict.
The Ravens may not headline opening weekend, but the NFL is not about to spend an entire season keeping one of its most marketable teams hidden in the 1 p.m. window. If history tells us anything, Baltimore’s invitation to the national stage isn't a matter of if, but when. Whether it’s under holiday lights, in a heated AFC North slugfest, or during some late-season heavyweight showdown with playoff implications, the Ravens and Lamar Jackson remain far too compelling for the NFL to keep tucked away in regional broadcasts for long.
This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens insider shares his predictions for Baltimore's 2026 schedule
Continue reading...
