Ravens Set for Brutal But Successful Early Stretch to 2025

If Cook’s situation drags on, reigning MVP Josh Allen may need to carry the offense. Buffalo expects sophomore wide receiver Keon Coleman to take a big step toward this season.

Jaire Alexander and rookie Malaki Starks strengthened a Ravens secondary that was already filled with stars. Baltimore’s defense looks faster and deeper, and they need all of it to keep Allen from making big plays.

Baltimore led the league in total yards per game and rushing yards per game last season. The Ravens retained their stars on offense with the addition of DeAndre Hopkins.

Baltimore could exploit that early with tempo, motion, and explosive plays downfield. Lamar Jackson needs to protect the ball, especially against Ed Oliver and Bosa crashing the pocket. Expect Baltimore to lean on quick throws and misdirections to keep pressure off Jackson.

Projection: BAL 24, BUF 13

Week 2: vs. Cleveland Browns

The Ravens face their weakest divisional opponent at home. Cleveland currently has four quarterbacks competing for the starting job: Joe Flacco, Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders, and Kenny Pickett. The Browns only managed to win three games last season, and the lack of a clear starting quarterback continues to limit their offense.

The dynamic and explosive offense of Baltimore will shine in this game, backed by better coaching and elite playmakers. The Browns ranked 27th in opponent points per game, allowing 25.6 points on average. This Ravens team is simply out-matching Cleveland by a lot.

Projection: BAL 35, CLE 10

Week 3: vs. Detroit Lions

The Ravens host one of the toughest teams on their schedule when the Lions come to town on Monday night in Week 3.

Detroit’s offense is loaded with a ton of talent. They have Jared Goff behind center, who is coming off his best season, leading a dangerous, well-balanced attack.

Two-time All-Pro Amon-Ra St. Brown, paired with speedster Jameson Williams, has proven they are a great duo alongside Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. The Lions roster has much more star power beyond those names and remains of the league’s deepest, though not deeper than Baltimore’s.

Detroit lost both their offensive and defensive coordinators, which could lead to early-season adjustments on both sides of the ball. The Ravens defense must stay disciplined and avoid giving up chunk plays on early downs.

On the other side, Lamar Jackson’s mobility and decision-making should help the Ravens keep pace in a high-scoring game. If Baltimore controls the clock and limits turnovers, it’ll be enough to pull out a win.

Projection: BAL 31, DET 21

Week 4: at Kansas City Chiefs

This matchup marks a massive early-season test for the Ravens. Baltimore heads into Arrowhead to face the reigning AFC champions. The Ravens have one of the most talented rosters in the league, but history hasn’t been kind to them against Patrick Mahomes.

Baltimore has struggled to close games against Kansas City, and Mahomes remains the ultimate difference-maker. The Chiefs’ roster might not be as stacked as the Ravens, but they play clean, complementary football and rarely beat themselves. Their defense was a major asset last season, and that’s not expected to change.

The Chiefs have a combination of veterans and young developing stars like Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy, Travis Kelce, and many more. Mahomes doesn’t have to do it all, but with his superstar ability, he can take over a game at any time.

The Ravens can’t afford a slow start or costly penalties in a game like this. They’ll need to dominate the time of possession and finish drives with touchdowns, not field goals. Lamar Jackson has the tools to keep the Ravens in it, but until they prove they can outplay Mahomes in the fourth quarter, it’s hard to pick against the Chiefs in their house.

Projection: BAL 23, KC 28

Tough Road Ahead

Despite facing three playoff teams in the first four weeks, a 3-1 start would have Ravens fans feeling confident. But with one of the league’s hardest schedules, Baltimore still has plenty to prove if they want to make a deep run with the roster that they have.