In 2023, the Baltimore Ravens schedule looks promising. Baltimore have the 21st ranked strength-of-schedule. Their opposition win percentage in 2022 was 0.484. That gives the Ravens a strong shot to make the playoffs and, potentially, take the AFC North title.
This off-season, the Ravens did not overhaul. However, this still somehow feels like a new era for Baltimore. A large part of that is down to Lamar Jackson’s contract extension. The debacle surrounding Jackson’s long-term future had marred this franchise’s headlines for two consecutive off-seasons. With the contract talks now in the past, the Ravens feel like a steady, ready-to-compete team with a star quarterback at the helm.
Assuming there are no drastic injuries, the Ravens are favourites to make the playoffs in a strong AFC. In 2022, the team were limited by oft-dysfunctional offensive playcalling. In 2023, the arrival of Todd Monken as offensive coordinator brings a lot of hope. The expectation is that Baltimore’s passing offense will be unlocked, especially with the signing of Odell Beckham Jr. and drafting of Zay Flowers in the 2023 NFL Draft. Jackson’s proclamation that he wants to throw for ‘6,000 yards’ is testament to his faith in the new offense.
Due to Baltimore’s projection as one of the league’s top sides, they have four total primetime fixtures, including a marquee matchup on Christmas Day.
Baltimore Ravens Record: Predicting Every Game on the Schedule
Week 1 vs Texans
The Ravens are set to open their 2023 season hosting the Houston Texans. The Texans were destined for the first-overall pick last year until Lovie Smith pulled off a win at the eleventh hour. This is enough evidence that they enter 2023 with one of the league’s weakest rosters.
The Texans roster is still under heavy construction and should not be able to keep up with the Ravens. This is especially true given how strong the Ravens have been at opening the season. And, given how strong the Ravens defense was at the end of last year, this could be a nightmare matchup for rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
Despite this, many people have the Texans as a sleeper team this year. Having drafted Stroud and Will Anderson Jr., Houston have their cornerstones on both sides of the football. The team have also found their coach of the future in DeMeco Ryans. With so many new pieces, there is a chance that Houston’s unpredictability could surprise Baltimore, especially on opening week. The Ravens are the sensible pick here. However, do not be surprised if the Texans find a way to give Baltimore a run for their money.
Ravens win. Record tally: 1-0.
Week 2 @ Bengals
After another playoff run last year, the Cincinnati Bengals look as strong as ever. And, after beating the Ravens in the playoffs last year, this AFC North rivalry is truly at a boiling point. Both sides have been competitive over the last few years, with the Bengals notably making the Super Bowl a couple seasons ago. In 2022, the series was split 1-1 in the regular season. Indeed, Bengals-Ravens is one of the most highly anticipated matchups this year.
The 2023 outlook for the Ravens and Bengals are both very bright. The rivals are expected to make the playoffs and will battle it out for the division title. Like the Ravens, the Bengals got stronger in the off-season but also shed some core talent. Despite that, trust the Cincinnati coaches to find adequate ways of replacing the likes of Jessie Bates III and Vonn Bell.
Given how competitive this fixture has proven to be, there is a strong chance that the series is tied during the regular season again. Last year, the Bengals and Ravens both won their side of the fixture at home. A similar feat could happen again. This early matchup will be a good way for both sides to gauge themselves against playoff-worthy competition.
Ravens lose. Record tally: 1-1.
Week 3 vs Colts
Like the Texans, there is a high chance that the Indianapolis Colts will be starting rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson. While Richardson may be able to find some production as a dual-threat quarterback, he may struggle against the All-Pro linebacker that is Roquan Smith. The Ravens have one of the strongest defenses in the league. Any rookie quarterback will struggle, least of all one as raw as Richardson.
Given how weak the Colts roster is currently, the Ravens could have a field day. Indianapolis are in the midst of a rebuild, making this a clear Baltimore win.
Ravens win. Record tally: 2-1.
Week 4 @ Browns
The first fixture against the Cleveland Browns this year marks the start of a three-game away stretch. Like last year, the Ravens will need to ensure that they can limit Nick Chubb if they are to beat the Browns. Cleveland are an ascending team but much of their offense is funnelled through their star running back. Not only will interior defensive linemen like Michael Pierce play a big part but Smith and Patrick Queen will need to be playing aggressively too.
The other issue? Cleveland have found a way to really test Baltimore of late. In December of 2022, when the Ravens were a little banged up, the Browns beat Baltimore 13-3. However, assuming Jackson is healthy for this early fixture, Baltimore likely have the slight edge on paper.
Ravens win. Record tally: 3-1.
Week 5 @ Steelers
Another divisional matchup arrives in Week 5 as the Ravens travel to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers are a bit of a wildcard this year. Kenny Pickett had a strong end to 2022 but is still largely a developmental player. However, entering his sophomore year, it is not unreasonable to expect Pickett to take a step up after already playing a year.
The rest of the Steelers roster is quietly robust. Their defense welcomes back T.J. Watt at full health, meaning he will undoubtedly be a factor in this game. If rookie Broderick Jones can lift this offense then the Steelers could be a sneaky good team at this point.
However, even if the Steelers are languishing towards the bottom of the power rankings, the Ravens will be in for a dogfight. Why? Because this is one of the most heated AFC North rivalries. And it is one that the Steelers have had the better of since 2020 (to the tune of 5-1). Pittsburgh play with an added intensity and physicality when Baltimore come to town. This has been effective in limiting Baltimore’s offense, which has been key to Pittsburgh’s victories over Baltimore of late.
Ravens lose. Record tally: 3-2.
Week 6 @ Titans
The Week 6 fixture against the Tennessee Titans will be held at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London. This is the Ravens’ second international game in Ravens history. The last time they were in London, they lost 44-7 to the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2017. Yikes.
Of late, the Ravens-Titans rivalry has swung both ways. Indeed, the series itself is tied at 13 apiece. In 2023, Tennessee could be a tough matchup for Baltimore. Derrick Henry will be fresh early in the season. He will face a front seven that recently lost Calais Campbell, one of its key run-stuffers. The team do, however, have Smith to help out in that department.
With that said, there are a lot of things going Baltimore’s way. The first thing to note is that Tennessee do not look like a strong team on paper. They went 7-10 in 2022, but that is a bloated win total. Much of their (limited) success was down to playing in the weak AFC South. Whenever Mike Vrabel’s side came up against any semblance of a competent offense, they struggled.
This early in the season, it is likely that the Titans will be playing Ryan Tannehill rather than rookie Will Levis or Malik Willis. This could be a blessing in disguise for Baltimore, who are familiar with Tannehill’s game. The Titans’ lack of receivers will make it hard for any quarterback to get in rhythm, especially given the strength of Baltimore’s secondary unit.
Ravens win. Record tally: 4-2.
Week 7 vs Lions
A lot of commentators are picking the Detroit Lions as a sleeper team this year. There is a reason why Dan Campbell’s side have been touted as a dark horse team to win the Super Bowl. Indeed, their odds are level with the Ravens currently. But a large part of that could be down to the NFC projecting to be much weaker than the AFC in 2023.
The Lions play with violence, aggression and discipline. They have been on the rise for the last couple of years. Detroit won eight of their last 10 games to close the 2022 season. They also had one of the most high-powered offenses with Jared Goff at the helm. With Jameson Williams returning from suspension this week, the Lions offense could receive a further boost. They will already be benefitting from the services of rookie Jahmyr Gibbs and star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Despite this, the Ravens have the more complete roster. Last year, the Lions defense was among the worst in the league. They have added pieces to improve it, including first-round rookie linebacker Jack Campbell. However, that might not be enough to contain Monken’s new offense.
Ravens win. Record tally: 5-2.
Week 8 @ Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals have a very real chance of being the worst team in football in 2023. As such, the Ravens are the clear favourites in this fixture. There is simply no aspect of the Cardinals that match up well against the Ravens.
One specific thing going in Baltimore’s favour? Tight ends. Like the previous Baltimore offense, Monken will seek to find creative ways of using Baltimore’s multiple talented tight ends. Arizona have struggled against this position group for several years now, meaning Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely could be primed for huge games.
Perhaps the only saving grace for Arizona is the fact that Kyler Murray could be back from knee reconstruction by this point. Either way though, it is hard to see a world where Arizona could upset Baltimore in 2023. Murray would only limit the margin of defeat.
Ravens win. Record tally: 6-2.
Week 9 vs Seahawks
After hosting the Cardinals, the Ravens host the Seattle Seahawks in Week 9. As with all the run-heavy teams, this could be a tough matchup for Baltimore due to them having a weaker interior defensive line. Kenneth Walker III, who had an excellent year in 2022, could thus find a lot of success. The Seahawks had horrible run defense in 2022 and so a similar argument can be applied the other way too.
Baltimore could also find it difficult to outplay Seattle’s athletic defense. Few secondaries will be able to keep up with Baltimore’s electric receivers. However, Seahawks rookie, Devon Witherspoon, and Tariq Woollen might just be able to stay sticky. The team’s re-signing of Bobby Wagner could also limit Jackson’s running potential, as well as Andrews’ effectiveness as a receiver.
Ravens lose. Record tally: 6-3.
Week 10 vs Cleveland
After visiting Cleveland in Week 4, the Ravens play host six weeks later. It is likely that the teams will have quite different matchups since their Week 4 fixture, mostly due to injuries. The Browns have, arguably, been more durable than the Ravens of late, so they could be the smart pick here. They will also be hyped for this game having lost earlier in the season (per the earlier prediction).
However, in this scenario, the Ravens are coming off a loss against the Seahawks. What better way to bounce back than securing a double over division rivals? Picking a Ravens double is bold, but it seems realistic given where these fixtures are placed.
Ravens win. Record tally: 7-3.
Week 11 vs Bengals (TNF)
Baltimore’s first primetime fixture comes against division rivals. Having lost to the Bengals in Week 2, the Ravens will be raring to go, especially on national television. However, after a tough game against the Browns in Week 10, Baltimore will need to ensure they rest up on the short week. This could prove to be the deciding factor in this matchup, even though both rosters are very comparable.
Ravens loss. Record tally: 7-4.
Week 12 @ Chargers (SNF)
After a Thursday divisional loss, the Ravens have a long week to recover and reflect. Their second consecutive primetime game comes as they visit the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers are an ascending team, and one with a high-powered passing attack through Justin Herbert, Mike Williams and Keenan Allen.
While the Chargers receivers are excellent, Baltimore’s secondary is arguably one of the league’s best. Their sticky, aggressive style could be what is needed to suppress the Chargers’ receivers. Couple this with the fact that Baltimore will have an extended period to prepare for the fixture and a Ravens win thus makes most sense.
Ravens win. Record tally: 8-4.
Week 13 Bye Week
A Week 13 bye week is very late. But that might just suit Baltimore. At this point, they will have a few injuries and so a week for the team to rest up after two primetime fixtures will be cherished.
Week 14 vs Rams
The Los Angeles Rams do not look like a very good team this year. Despite a huge 2023 NFL Draft class, Los Angeles have little star talent on their roster currently. Coming off a bye with the team back to full strength, Baltimore are clear favourites to beat the Rams here.
If the Rams have looked horrible up to this point, they could start rookie quarterback Stetson Bennett. That would be interesting, given that Ravens offensive coordinator Monken was Bennett’s coach at Georgia.
Ravens win. Record tally: 9-4.
Week 15 @ Jaguars (SNF)
A late-season matchup between the Ravens and Jaguars in primetime could result in fireworks. The Jaguars are an ascending team, making the playoffs in dramatic fashion last year thanks to Trevor Lawrence and Doug Pederson.
Last year, the Jaguars played the Ravens and came away with an important 28-27 victory. In that game, Lawrence threw for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. The Jaguars defense managed to limit Jackson to a 50% completion percentage. He threw for 254 yards and a touchdown, while adding 89 yards on the ground.
On paper, the Ravens probably have a slight edge over the Jaguars. However, just how good Lawrence could be next year is seriously understated. As such, this could be a very tight game.
With that said, the Ravens will be entering this game remembering just how bitter defeat tasted last year. They also come into this game a week from the bye, meaning they will be fresh and prepared. For those reasons, expect the Ravens to be raring to go and highly prepared in this primetime fixture.
Ravens win, 10-4.
Week 16@ 49ers (MNF)
Father Christmas has cooked up a fantastic primetime fixture for the festive period here. As Christmas day’s headline matchup, the Ravens face off against the San Francisco 49ers under the lights. Both teams are expected to be among the heavyweights in the upcoming NFL season. This will be a Christmas spectacle that cannot be missed.
Both the Ravens and 49ers should have established themselves as playoff-bound at this point. However, both teams have been known to struggle with their injuries. Last season, both sides were among the teams that had to roll out three different starting quarterbacks during the season. The hope is that they can make it to Christmas largely unscathed, but recent history has told us that this is unlikely.
Given how light the Ravens are on the defensive line, the 49ers rushing attack could really take over this game. If San Francisco can control the clock through their rushing attack, then Baltimore will struggle. However, if Baltimore’s new offense can make this a shootout (against an elite 49ers defense), then the 49ers will find themselves needing to rely on Brock Purdy, Trey Lance or Sam Darnold’s arm. This would not be an ideal scenario for them.
Realistically, this game could go either way. It could simply come down to whichever team is healthier and hotter entering this fixture. Given how strongly the 49ers finished 2022, they probably are the slight favourites for this one.
Ravens lose. Record tally: 10-5.
Week 17 vs Dolphins
Early in 2022, the Miami Dolphins’ tandem of Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill torched Baltimore’s banged-up secondary. The Dolphins thus shocked the Ravens by mounting a huge comeback to win 42-38. However, with a rejuvenated secondary, a different result could certainly have ensued.
The stakes in this match could be very high. Late in the season, both sides could be jostling for better playoff seeding. Given that the Ravens will have looked forward to getting revenge for last year’s loss, they are a strong pick here. But, truthfully, this game will be very close.
Ravens win. Record tally: 11-5.
Week 18 vs Steelers
To close the season, the Ravens will host the Steelers. At this point, the Ravens’ playoff status should already be set. What will be left to determine will be their seeding, especially given the competitive nature of the AFC. The Steelers, on the other hand, may be in a fight of their own. While it is unlikely that Pittsburgh will be competing for a top seed at this point, they could be fighting for a wildcard spot.
Given the stakes, Pittsburgh is a good pick here. If the Ravens are already in, they may opt to rest their starters for this game, especially given the tough luck they have had with injuries the last few years. Add to this the aforementioned point that the Steelers have managed to pull out gritty wins against the Ravens of late.
Ravens lose. Record tally: 11-6.
Main Photo: Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports
