During July, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be analyzing the schedules of every team in the NFL and ranking each game in order of difficulty (with one being the most difficult). This series will be split up into the eight most difficult games (ranked 1-8) and the eight easiest games (ranked 9-16) for each team. In this article, the Baltimore Ravens most difficult games are the focus.
Baltimore Ravens Most Difficult Games in 2016
1. Week 14 at New England Patriots
The Ravens and Patriots have played several games that have went to the wire. The Patriots are still a hard team to pass by. Quarterback Tom Brady can make plays, no matter who his receivers are. Not only can Brady make it happen with any receiver, but he has great options in Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola. New England also has the most dominant tight end in the league, Rob Gronkowski. Furthermore, they have a formidable run game with Dion Lewis, LeGarrette Blount, and James White. The Ravens defense will be absolutely key in this game.
2. Week 6 at New York Giants
The Ravens have a great team coming into 2016 with quarterback Joe Flacco, wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. and running back Justin Forsett all returning from injury, but the Giants have a better unit. They have receivers that can shred the defense and a two-time Super Bowl winning quarterback throwing to them. It’s going to be a rough game at MetLife Stadium.
3. Week 5 vs Washington Redskins
Before they visit the Giants, the Ravens will host the Redskins in a DMV rivalry game. The Redskins, like the Giants, have an offensive powerhouse. Baltimore will have its hands full a lot during the first half of the season, and the Redskins are a big challenge.
4. Week 17 at Cincinnati Bengals
The Ravens will conclude their campaign in Cincy for the third straight year; the Ravens lost the last two in blowout fashion. The Ravens have had bad luck against the Bengals. Hopefully for them, it will be different this time around.
5. Week 12 vs Cincinnati Bengals
One would think home-field advantage would help the Ravens. Against the Bengals, that has not been the case. The Bengals have gotten the best of the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium as of late, but Baltimore will look to change that.
6. Week 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers-Ravens rivalry is one of the biggest in the NFL, and their Week 16 matchup at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh will be no different. Two offensive powerhouses will be facing off. This could wind up being a game where defense is nonexistent.
7. Week 9 vs Pittsburgh Steelers
The first meeting between these two AFC North rivals will be in Baltimore. There will still be bad blood between these two teams and possibly no defense in this game, as well. Both offenses overall, especially at the receiver spots, look very solid on paper, but the Steelers have an edge in the running game.
8. Week 7 at New York Jets
The week after the Ravens play the Giants at MetLife Stadium, they will play the Jets at MetLife Stadium. No need to travel as they will play on the road in the same city for two consecutive weeks. While the Jets have yet to sign quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick to a new deal, the Jets team will still be a challenge. They have a great receiving tandem in Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker and a dominant defense.
Make sure to also read all about Baltimore’s easiest games in 2016.
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