Among the NFL teams that would describe the 2021 season as “frustrating,” the Baltimore Ravens would undoubtedly stand at the head of that class. Beset by injuries and riddled by painfully narrow defeats, the Ravens lost their final six games (five by a field goal or less) to finish 8-9, missing the postseason and suffering just their second losing season under head coach John Harbaugh.
Now largely healthy, the Ravens look to bounce back and return to the postseason again, emerging from the AFC North Division battlefield. They currently have NFL odds of +2000 to win the Super Bowl.
This year’s schedule, ranked 23rd most difficult, has the Ravens facing the AFC East and NFC South, along with favorable matchups against the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants. The home and home games within the AFC North feature some of the NFL’s most heated rivalries.
Lamar Jackson ?? Rashod Bateman
(Doing this in slow-mo so all the YouTube aggregators can have longer videos and make more money, you're welcome.) pic.twitter.com/nJDN2wW87H
— Jonas Shaffer (@jonas_shaffer) August 16, 2022
Looking to put 2021 firmly in the rear-view mirror, here is a closer look at the road ahead for the Ravens.
Week 1 @ New York Jets
Date: Sunday, September 11
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
The first of four consecutive weeks against the AFC East, beginning with this matchup versus the Jets. Though expected to show improvement this season, New York still has much to prove under second-year quarterback Zach Wilson. The latter may miss this contest after suffering a torn meniscus in the Jets’ preseason opener.
Week 2 vs. Miami Dolphins
Date: Sunday, September 18
Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
The Dolphins are expected to be in the playoff mix, buoyed by the offseason acquisition of game-breaking wideout Tyreek Hill from the Kansas City Chiefs. The Ravens’ secondary, depleted by injuries last season, gave up 278.9 passing yards per game, the worst in the NFL. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa will no doubt test the revamped Baltimore aerial defense early and often.