If you’re refreshing your sportsbook app or checking your calendar to see exactly when Lamar Jackson and the boys take the field, I’ve got some news. It isn't great.
The short answer to who are the ravens playing this week is: nobody.
Baltimore is officially out. It’s the "couch season." After a gut-wrenching 26-24 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 4th, the Ravens' 2025-2026 campaign evaporated. No Wild Card miracle. No Divisional Round drama. Just a long flight back to BWI and a lot of "what if" conversations.
The Week 18 Heartbreak That Ended It All
Honestly, it’s still kinda hard to believe. The AFC North was right there. If the Ravens win that finale in Pittsburgh, they walk away with the division title and the No. 4 seed. Instead, a late-game surge by Aaron Rodgers—who, yeah, is apparently still haunting the league in 2026—sent Baltimore packing with an 8-9 record.
It was a weird game. Zay Flowers was absolutely electric, hauling in two massive touchdowns, including a 64-yarder that felt like the dagger. But the defense couldn't hold. When Calvin Austin III caught that 26-yard touchdown with just a minute left, you could almost hear the collective sigh from the 410 area code.
Then came the kicker. Or the lack thereof. Tyler Loop, who’s been solid, had a chance to save the season with a 44-yard field goal in the dying seconds. It pushed wide. Game over. Season over.
Why There’s No Game This Weekend
The NFL Divisional Round is happening right now, January 17th and 18th, but the Ravens are spectators. While the Buffalo Bills take on the Denver Broncos and the Texans face the Patriots, the Ravens are already in "exit interview" mode.
It’s a bitter pill because the AFC was weirdly wide open this year. Look at the Kansas City Chiefs—they didn't even make the dance either. Mahomes was out with that nasty ACL/LCL injury, and the whole conference felt up for grabs. Baltimore just couldn't find the consistency they needed.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents Are Set
Since we aren't talking about a playoff spread, we have to talk about the future. The 2026 schedule is already finalized in terms of opponents, even if we don't know the dates yet. Because they finished second in the AFC North, the Ravens are looking at a "second-place" schedule.
Basically, the gauntlet looks like this:
Home Games at M&T Bank Stadium:
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- The Usual Suspects: Cincinnati Bengals, Cleveland Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers.
- The Visitors: Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New Orleans Saints, and the L.A. Chargers.
Road Trips:
- Divisional Battles: Bengals, Browns, Steelers.
- The Travel Log: Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans, Atlanta Falcons, Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills, and a spicy matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
That road game in Buffalo is already circled on my mental calendar. Josh Allen vs. Lamar is always a track meet. Plus, going to Jerry World to face the Cowboys? That’s going to be a primetime lock.
What Needs to Change Before Next Season?
The front office has a massive summer ahead. Derrick Henry turned back the clock this year with nearly 1,600 yards, but you have to wonder how much tread is left on those tires. He’s been a warrior, but the Ravens need more than just "King Henry" and Lamar's legs to close out tight games in January.
The defense also feels like it’s in a transition period. Losing that finale to a 42-year-old Aaron Rodgers suggests the secondary might need a bit of a facelift. Keep an eye on the 2026 NFL Draft. Since the Ravens missed the playoffs, they’ll have a much better pick than they’re used to. Rumor has it they might be looking at some help in the trenches or a lockdown corner to help Roquan Smith over the middle.
Actionable Steps for Ravens Fans This Week
Just because the team isn't playing doesn't mean you have to go cold turkey on football. Here is how to handle the "offseason" blues:
- Watch the Divisional Round: If you want a reason to root, watch the Texans vs. Patriots. The Texans knocked out the Steelers, so there's a "the enemy of my enemy is my friend" vibe there.
- Check the Draft Order: Baltimore is likely picking in the middle of the first round. Start looking at mock drafts for 2026; names like Carson Schwesinger (LB) are already popping up as potential fits.
- Store the Jersey: Wash that purple jersey, fold it up, and maybe don't look at it for a week. Let the sting of the Pittsburgh loss fade.
The Ravens will be back. Lamar Jackson is still one of the most talented humans to ever touch a football. One losing season doesn't change the culture in Baltimore, but man, this empty weekend definitely feels quiet.