The Baltimore Ravens head into the 2023 season with significant optimism, fresh off a dramatic offseason. With Lamar Jackson’s trade request withdrawal and his new five-year, $260 million contract, the team looks poised to compete at a high level. Below is an in-depth look at the 2023 Baltimore Ravens schedule.
2023 Baltimore Ravens Schedule
| Week | Date | Opponent | Kickoff time | TV channel | Venue |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Sep 10, 2023 | Houston Texans | 1:00 pm | CBS | M&T Bank Stadium |
| 2 | Sep 17, 2023 | Cincinnati Bengals | 1:00 pm | CBS | Paycor Stadium |
| 3 | Sep 24, 2023 | Indianapolis Colts | 1:00 pm | CBS | M&T Bank Stadium |
| 4 | Oct 1, 2023 | Cleveland Browns | 1:00 pm | CBS | Cleveland Browns Stadium |
| 5 | Oct 8, 2023 | Pittsburgh Steelers | 1:00 pm | CBS | Acrisure Stadium |
| 6 | Oct 15, 2023 | Tennessee Titans | 9:30 am | NFL Network | Tottenham Hotspur Stadium |
| 7 | Oct 22, 2023 | Detroit Lions | 1:00 pm | FOX | M&T Bank Stadium |
| 8 | Oct 29, 2023 | Arizona Cardinals | 4:25 pm | CBS | State Farm Stadium |
| 9 | Nov 5, 2023 | Seattle Seahawks | 1:00 pm | CBS | M&T Bank Stadium |
| 10 | Nov 12, 2023 | Cleveland Browns | 1:00 pm | FOX | M&T Bank Stadium |
| 11 | Nov 16, 2023 | Cincinnati Bengals | 8:15 pm | Amazon Prime | M&T Bank Stadium |
| 12 | Nov 26, 2023 | Los Angeles Chargers | 8:20 pm | NBC | SoFi Stadium |
| 13 | — | BYE | — | — | — |
| 14 | Dec 10, 2023 | Los Angeles Rams | 1:00 pm | FOX | M&T Bank Stadium |
| 15 | Dec 17, 2023 | Jacksonville Jaguars | 8:20 pm | NBC | TIAA Bank Field |
| 16 | Dec 25, 2023 | San Francisco 49ers | 8:15 pm | ABC | Levi’s Stadium |
| 17 | Dec 31, 2023 | Miami Dolphins | 1:00 pm | CBS | M&T Bank Stadium |
| 18 | Jan 7, 2024 | Pittsburgh Steelers | TBD | TBD | M&T Bank Stadium |
Offseason Developments
Highlighted by the acquisition of Odell Beckham Jr., the Ravens have made significant moves to solidify their roster. The team hopes that Beckham, recovering from a torn ACL, will provide the consistent WR1 option that Jackson has lacked. Coupled with the first-round pick investment in wideout Zay Flowers, the Ravens are putting an emphasis on improving their receiver corps, especially with the 2021 first-round pick, Rashod Bateman, under increasing pressure.
Analysis of the Season
Facing off against the AFC South and NFC West as common non-divisional opponents, the Ravens, and indeed the rest of the AFC North, received a favorable draw. The Texans and Colts are both in rebuilding mode, while the Jaguars are a good team but not quite a juggernaut.
The NFC West presents mixed challenges, with the 49ers being the only established elite team. The Seahawks, Rams, and Cardinals are going through different phases of rebuilding and dealing with uncertainty at the quarterback position. Despite the challenges, the Ravens are expected to be favorites in six of these eight games.
However, non-common matchups against the Chargers, Lions, and Dolphins could prove trickier. All three are potential division winners, but the Ravens have the advantage of hosting two of these three games.
Pivotal Matchups
The AFC North division is possibly the toughest in football. The Bengals, Browns, and Steelers all fancy themselves as playoff contenders. The Ravens will need to have a strong showing in the divisional games to stand a chance of making the playoffs.
The key to the Ravens’ season could be the health of Lamar Jackson. If Jackson remains fit and healthy, the Ravens can aim for 10-11 wins and possibly a playoff berth. If Jackson’s health falters, however, the Ravens could end up languishing at the bottom of the division.
Schedule and Key Dates
Starting the season with a home game against the Texans on September 10, the Ravens will face a variety of opponents across the 17 game season.
Key matchups include divisional games against the Bengals (both home and away), a London game against the Titans, and a challenging end to the regular season with games against the 49ers, Jaguars, and Dolphins. The Ravens also finish off the regular season with a home game against the Steelers on January 4-5.
Strength of Schedule
Although the Ravens’ opponents had a collective .484 winning percentage in 2022, this doesn’t tell the full story. According to Sharp Football, the Ravens have the 11th-most challenging schedule in the NFL and the most difficult one in the AFC North.
They face formidable NFC squads such as the 49ers and Seahawks, as well as the Lions and Chargers, who were the second-place teams from the NFC North and AFC West, respectively, in 2022.
However, drawing the NFC West and AFC South this year is seen as a bit of a break for the Ravens. While there will still be challenges from teams like the 49ers, Seahawks, and Jaguars, the remaining teams are largely in a rebuilding phase.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, the 2023 season presents the Ravens with a tough but not insurmountable challenge. The team, with a stronger receiving group than in previous years and a defense expected to be among the league’s best, has the makings of a playoff team. However, the road to getting past Cincinnati, in particular, remains a major hurdle. With Lamar Jackson’s health an essential factor, the season could go either way. But with a solid showing in the divisional games and favorable non-divisional matchups, the Ravens can aim for a playoff spot.
FAQS
The first game of the season is on September 10, 2023, and the Ravens will be playing against the Houston Texans.
Yes, there are two prime-time games scheduled for the Ravens. On November 16, 2023, they will be playing against the Cincinnati Bengals in a Thursday Night Football matchup. On November 26, 2023, they will face the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday Night Football.
Yes, the Ravens have an international game scheduled. On October 15, 2023, they will be playing against the Tennessee Titans in London at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
The Ravens’ bye week is in Week 13, indicated as “BYE” on the schedule. During this week, they will have no game.
The Ravens will be facing their division rivals, the Cleveland Browns and Cincinnati Bengals, twice during the season. They will play against the Browns on October 1, 2023, and November 12, 2023, and against the Bengals on September 17, 2023, and November 16, 2023.
Yes, there are a few notable matchups on the Ravens’ schedule. They will face the Seattle Seahawks on November 5, 2023, the Los Angeles Rams on December 10, 2023, and the San Francisco 49ers on December 25, 2023.
The TV channels broadcasting the Ravens’ games vary. CBS will broadcast several games, including the season opener against the Houston Texans, while FOX will cover some matchups, such as the game against the Detroit Lions. Additionally, NBC, ABC, NFL Network, and Amazon Prime will broadcast certain prime-time games.
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