If you're waking up today, Friday, January 16, 2026, and frantically searching for what time do Ravens play today, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. The Baltimore Ravens are not playing today. In fact, they aren't playing this weekend at all.
It’s a weird feeling for a city that’s grown used to January football as a birthright. Usually, we’re arguing about Lamar’s postseason record or whether the defense can hold up in the cold. But today? The locker rooms at Owings Mills are quiet. The purple jerseys are staying in the closet. It’s the harsh reality of an 8-9 season that slipped through their fingers in the final weeks.
The Short Answer for Today
Basically, there is no game. The Ravens officially finished their 2025-2026 campaign with a heartbreaking 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers back on January 4. That loss slammed the door shut on any Wild Card hopes.
If you're looking for football to watch today, you're also a day early for the rest of the league. The NFL Divisional Round doesn't actually kick off until tomorrow, Saturday, January 17.
What Went Wrong This Season?
Honestly, it’s been a roller coaster. We saw flashes of brilliance—like that 41-24 blowout of the Packers at Lambeau in late December—but the consistency just wasn't there. Losing four of the first five games of the season put them in a hole that even Lamar Jackson couldn't fully dig them out of.
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Injuries, as always, played a role. But it was also about those close finishes. The Ravens lost five games this year by a touchdown or less. That’s the difference between being a top seed and sitting on the couch in mid-January.
The Divisional Round Schedule (Without Baltimore)
Even though the Ravens are out, the playoffs are moving forward. If you still want your football fix, here is how the next few days look for the teams that did make the cut:
- Saturday, Jan 17 (4:30 PM ET): Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos. The Broncos have been a powerhouse this year at 14-3, and watching Josh Allen try to navigate that altitude is going to be something.
- Saturday, Jan 17 (8:00 PM ET): San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks. A classic NFC West showdown on a Saturday night.
- Sunday, Jan 18 (3:00 PM ET): Houston Texans at New England Patriots. The Texans looked dominant against the Steelers in the Wild Card round, but Foxborough in January is a different beast.
- Sunday, Jan 18 (6:30 PM ET): Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears.
What Time Do Ravens Play Today? Looking at the 2026 Offseason
Since you can't watch them on the field today, the "game" has moved to the front office. Eric DeCosta and the scouting department are already pivoting to the 2026 NFL Draft.
The biggest talking point right now? The defense. While Kyle Hamilton continues to be an absolute star—earning a first-team All-Pro nod this year—the linebacker corps needs a boost. There’s already heavy buzz about the Ravens looking at Sonny Styles out of Ohio State with their first-round pick. He’s got that "Ravens-style" versatility that could perfectly complement Roquan Smith.
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There’s also the looming question of Lamar Jackson’s next steps. While he’s the undisputed leader of this franchise, an 8-9 season always triggers conversations about how to better build around a generational talent.
Why This Matters for Fans
It’s easy to feel disconnected when your team isn't in the hunt. But for Ravens fans, this is a crucial period. We're watching the AFC landscape shift in real-time. The Bengals and Steelers are still fighting for relevance, and new powerhouses like the Texans are emerging.
If you’re still asking what time do Ravens play today, you’ve got to pivot your mindset to the "Long Game." The next time we see them in a meaningful huddle will be the 2026 preseason in August.
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Actionable Steps for the "Ravens-Less" Weekend:
- Watch the Bills-Broncos game tomorrow: These are two teams the Ravens have struggled with recently. Seeing how Denver’s defense operates might give us clues on what Baltimore needs to replicate this offseason.
- Monitor the Mock Drafts: Now that the draft order for non-playoff teams is mostly set, the speculation is going to get wild. Keep an eye on the 14th overall pick.
- Check out the All-Pro highlights: If you're missing that purple flair, go back and watch Kyle Hamilton and Jordan Stout's season highlights. Stout has been arguably the best punter in the league this year, which is a very "Baltimore" thing to be proud of.
The 2025-2026 season didn't end with a parade, or even a playoff berth. But the foundation is still there. We’ll be back in the stands at M&T Bank Stadium before you know it. For now, enjoy a stress-free weekend of football where a missed field goal won't ruin your entire week.