So, it's gameday. Or maybe you're just planning your snacks for the weekend and need to know exactly when Lamar Jackson is taking the field. Either way, asking what time does the ravens game start is basically the unofficial anthem of Baltimore every fall and winter.
Currently, as we hit the mid-January stretch of 2026, the Baltimore Ravens have officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign. After a gritty season that saw some high-flying wins—like that 41-24 statement game against the Packers back in December—the Flock finished with an 8-9 record. It’s a bit of a sting for the fans who traveled to Pittsburgh for that Week 18 finale, only to see a narrow 26-24 loss knock them out of the postseason hunt.
Since the Ravens are not playing in today’s Divisional Round playoff games (which feature the Bills at Broncos and Texans at Patriots), there isn't a kickoff scheduled for this specific afternoon. However, knowing how the NFL schedule machine works is the only way to keep your sanity when the 2026 season kicks off this September.
What Time Does the Ravens Game Start? Understanding the Schedule
NFL kickoff times aren't just random numbers pulled out of a hat by Commissioner Roger Goodell. They're calculated business decisions. Typically, if you're looking for the Ravens on a standard Sunday, you’re looking at three main windows.
The most common start time for Baltimore is 1:00 PM ET. These are your bread-and-butter AFC North battles, often broadcast on CBS or occasionally FOX. If the Ravens are playing a West Coast team at home or are featured in a "Game of the Week" slot, that kickoff pushes back to 4:25 PM ET.
Then you’ve got the primetime slots. This is where it gets fun—and late.
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- Thursday Night Football: 8:15 PM ET (Exclusively on Amazon Prime Video).
- Sunday Night Football: 8:20 PM ET (NBC/WBAL-TV in Baltimore).
- Monday Night Football: 8:15 PM ET (ESPN/ABC).
Honestly, the best way to keep track is to check the official NFL flex scheduling updates. Late in the season, the league loves to move games from the afternoon to the night slot if the matchup has playoff implications. We saw a lot of that last year.
Where to Watch and Stream the Ravens in 2026
If you’re sitting on your couch wondering why the game isn't on the channel you expected, you've probably fallen victim to the "broadcast map" trap. Local fans in Maryland, D.C., and parts of Pennsylvania usually get the game on their local CBS affiliate (WJZ-TV) or FOX (WBFF).
For the cord-cutters out there, Paramount+ is the go-to for any game airing on CBS. If the game is on FOX, you're looking at the FOX Sports app.
One thing that confuses people every single year is the "out-of-market" rule. If you live in, say, California, and want to know what time does the ravens game start so you can watch it, you won't find it on local TV unless it’s a national broadcast. In that case, YouTube TV's NFL Sunday Ticket is basically the only legal way to see every snap.
Radio and Secondary Options
Sometimes you're stuck in the car. It happens. In the Baltimore area, 98 Rock (97.9 FM) and WBAL 1090 AM are the legendary homes of Ravens radio. Hearing Gerry Sandusky call a touchdown is basically a rite of passage for any Marylander.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Even though the pads are off for now, the 2026 schedule is already taking shape based on the 2025 standings. Since the Ravens finished second in the AFC North, their "strength of schedule" matchups are set.
Next season, M&T Bank Stadium will host some heavy hitters. We already know the Bengals, Browns, and Steelers are coming to town—that’s a given. But the 2026 home slate also includes the Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and the Los Angeles Chargers.
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On the road, the Ravens will have to travel to some tough environments, including Buffalo and Dallas. If you're planning a road trip to see the Cowboys in 2026, keep an eye on that schedule release in May. That’s when the specific dates and kickoff times are set in stone.
Common Misconceptions About Kickoff Times
A big mistake fans make is assuming the "game time" is when the ball actually leaves the tee. If a broadcast starts at 1:00 PM, the actual kickoff is usually closer to 1:02 or 1:05 PM. Those few minutes are filled with the national anthem, team introductions, and, of course, commercials.
Also, international games are a total wildcard. The NFL is obsessed with London and Germany lately. If the Ravens get tapped for an international game in 2026, be prepared for a 9:30 AM ET start. It's the only time it's socially acceptable to eat crab cakes and drink a heavy coffee at the same time.
How to Prepare for the 2026 Season Opener
The 2026 NFL season is slated to begin on September 10, 2026. While the Ravens' specific Week 1 opponent hasn't been announced, they'll likely be in a featured slot.
To make sure you never miss a kickoff:
- Sync your calendar: Most team websites offer a "Sync to Calendar" feature that automatically updates your phone when times change.
- Check the Flex: Starting in Week 5, the NFL can move Sunday games to different time slots. Always double-check on Tuesday morning.
- Account for pregame: If you want to see the player intros and the tunnel run, you need to be tuned in at least 20 minutes before the listed start time.
The hunt for another Lombardi trophy starts long before the first whistle. Even though there's no game today, the off-season moves in free agency and the draft will dictate whether those 2026 kickoff times are celebrations or stress-fests.
To stay ready for the upcoming season, you can start tracking the NFL Draft prospects this spring to see who might be joining Lamar in the backfield. You can also monitor the NFL's official schedule release in May 2026 to lock in your travel plans for those away games in Dallas and Buffalo. By staying ahead of the announcements, you won't be the one frantically searching for the kickoff time five minutes after the game has already started.