With the 2020 NFL schedule released, we finally know when the Baltimore Ravens will play each and every game and in which order. While the Ravens have the easiest schedule in the NFL, at least according to last year’s records, that doesn’t mean it’ll be a cakewalk this season.
Baltimore is slated to play some of the best teams in the league and with most roster improving from last year, there are plenty of games that will be tough. With an eye towards the future and which matchups could be the biggest thorns in the Ravens’ sides, let’s take a look at the hardest games for Baltimore in 2020.
Check out game-by-game score predictions from around the NFL Wires network:
Buf / Mia / NE / NYJ // Bal / Cin / Cle / Pit // Hou / Ind / Jax / Ten // Den / KC / LV / LAC //// Dal / NYG / Phi / Was // Chi / Det / GB / Min // Atl / Car / NO / TB // Ari / LAR / SF / Sea
Week 1 vs. Cleveland Browns
The way the Ravens embarrassed the Browns at the end of last season, Cleveland is going to be looking for some revenge and a strong start for 2020.
While the Browns have struggled a lot in recent years, they’ve usually played Baltimore very tough regardless of their talent level. Cleveland is arguably one of the most talented teams in the league and with a new coaching staff, they might finally be able to turn that talent into wins. But it all starts in Week 1, which is a tough ask for the Ravens.
Week 3 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
It’s the Super Bowl champions. That alone will make this one of Baltimore’s toughest games on the schedule. The fact the Ravens haven’t beaten quarterback Patrick Mahomes yet and it’s the first prime-time game of the season for Baltimore only adds to the pressure.
While I think the Ravens have the talent to dethrone the defending champs, they’re going to have to play outstanding football from opening whistle to the final one to claim a win.
Week 11 vs. Tennessee Titans
After a relatively soft stretch in their schedule, things heat up quickly for Baltimore and it all kicks off with a revenge game against the Titans. Granted, the Ravens have spent all offseason altering their defensive roster for this matchup but that doesn’t mean they still won’t have to slug it out with the Titans.
Running back Derrick Henry destroyed Baltimore’s defense in the playoffs and he’s back in 2020. With the added pressure of revenge in their minds and coming off a prime-time matchup against the New England Patriots, the Ravens could come out emotionally exhausted which would spell doom for them in this game.
Week 12 at Pittsburgh Steelers
Smack dab in the middle of their toughest stretch, the Ravens get a Thanksgiving battle against their biggest division rival on the road. Woof, that’s awful luck for Baltimore.
The Steelers always play the Ravens tough and in all honesty, both of these games could easily make this list. But being on the road in prime time on a holiday after a likely knock-down, drag-out fight with the Titans arguably makes this the toughest game on the Ravens’ 2020 schedule.
Week 14 at Cleveland Browns
Once again, the Browns make this list, meaning that both of Baltimore’s games against Cleveland will be tough matchups in my eyes. Just like with the first instance in Week 1, the Browns are an undeniably talented team that play the Ravens tough. But this one comes towards the end of the season when the games matter just a little more and it’s at the end of a miserable trail for Baltimore.
This will be the last of a three-game stretch in prime time and four-of-five games at night for the Ravens. If Baltimore isn’t simply exhausted by this point, it’ll be because they’ve been on some miraculous roll and have just been destroying every team leading up to this game. But more likely is that the Ravens will be worn down physically and mentally while the Browns have had a far easier road in the few weeks leading up to this game.
