This time of year, the biggest news in the NFL revolves around the rollout of the upcoming campaign’s schedule. And with Baltimore confirmed in the league-opening Thursday Night Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, it’s never too early to start thinking about uniform combinations:
The Ravens going all black on Opening Night vs the Cheifs will be a movie.🎥🍿 pic.twitter.com/IuvrTOQ0n4
— CeltsRavensShowYo (@CeltsRavensMuse) May 14, 2024
While a black out to start the year would be amazing, I fear it’s unlikely with the Ravens traveling to KC for their ring ceremony. What I would say is likely, however, is Baltimore playing in a high number of primetime matchups this season. Jack Baroudi II says he has inside info indicating such:
The #Ravens have a league high 6 primetime/standalone games this season, including the Harbaugh Bowl on Thanksgiving vs the Chargers. #scoop
— Jack Baroudi II (@thejackbaroudi) May 14, 2024
If he’s right, we’re in for a fun Thanksgiving Night, as well.
Either way, what the NFL has announced is impressive:
The NFL kicking off the season with this primetime slate is insane.
TNF: Ravens vs. Chiefs
FNF: Packers vs. Eagles
SNF: Rams vs. Lions
MNF: Jets vs. 49ers
TNF: Bills vs. Dolphins— Daire Carragher (@DaireCarragher) May 14, 2024
There should be some interesting litmus tests across AFC contenders early in the season. And if those contenders remain strong opponents, the Ravens will face a difficult schedule in 2024. Ari Meirov notes that it’s one of the tougher slates in the league:
The #Ravens' schedule includes 10 games against teams that made the playoffs last season. That's the most of any team.
Everything becomes a little more challenging when taking a big-picture look.
Discussing Baltimore's offseason on @The33rdTeamFB: pic.twitter.com/XzzAp5DGiY
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) May 14, 2024
It’s always interesting thinking about upcoming schedules and trying to predict records, but you really never know how things will shake out. There are obviously injuries and unexpected breakouts, but even beyond that, there’s the simple presence of parity. Last year, the Jaguars and Chargers were fun sleeper picks. The two finished with a combined record of 14-20.
But for what it’s worth, ESPN is predicting the Ravens atop the AFC North with an 11-6 record!
ESPN's projection guide thinks the Steelers will finish last in the AFC North. And it won't be close. Their record predictions. #Steelers
1. Baltimore Ravens: 11-6
2. Cincinnati Bengals: 10-7
3. Cleveland Browns: 10-7
4. Pittsburgh Steelers: 8-9https://t.co/ODcijqSBYM— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) May 14, 2024
Hang it in the rafters; we all would rather see our team enter the year with expectations of winning. That’s what we should be expecting anyways, but there are two keys to it all unfolding: the continued stellar play of the defense, and Lamar Jackson.
Starting with the game’s most important position, it’s crazy that we’re entering year seven of Jackson’s career:
Rookie Lamar Jackson 🥺
Can’t believe he’s going into Year 7 already. pic.twitter.com/AMBk65RMje
— The Ravens Realm (@RealmRavens) May 15, 2024
Baltimore’s franchise QB again faces the challenge of being the reigning league MVP, and with that spotlight on him, he’ll be up against each opponent’s best effort every week. Luckily, Jackson is in year two of the Todd Monken offense. As Mina Kimes points out, there’s room for growth with the unit, and that could elevate Jackson’s play even further:
Where the Ravens ranked last year when Lamar threw the ball out of…
12 personnel: 1st in EPA/play
21 personnel: 1st in EPA/playDiscussed Baltimore's offseason on this week's pod with @Foxworth24 and @CKravitz17…
🎧: https://t.co/25po4Tj9rF
📺: https://t.co/Cn7lDQiz21 pic.twitter.com/6Zmi6J6MFG— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) May 14, 2024
With a (hopefully) formidable rushing attack, play action should hit defenses even harder this season. That’s the magic of having Derrick Henry!
On the defensive side of the ball, it’s hard to say what the scheme will look like. Ultimately, that’s all up to new DC Zach Orr. The former Ravens LB is a bit of an uncertainty, but he clearly has the full confidence of the Baltimore staff, as well as the fanbase.
Bringing it full circle, Orr will have a real difficult test right out of the gate, facing Patrick Mahomes in Week 1.
New DC Zach Orr's first big test: pic.twitter.com/iISWjVGEvN
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) May 14, 2024
Buckle up, not only for the matchup but for tonight’s full schedule release. If it’s all stressing you out, maybe some closing words from GM Eric DeCosta will help ease concerns:
Ravens GM Eric DeCosta shared how he stays level-headed while taking on stress
“I never get too high, I never get too low. You do get frustrated at times…but when things are going really well, I’m not the type of guy to be super high..I know it can change very quickly” pic.twitter.com/e9fmD2AqMj
— Ryan Ripken (@ryanripken) May 15, 2024
