Assessing which matchups could have the greatest impact on playoff and momentum implications.
The NFL season is often referred to as “a marathon, not a sprint” by the vast majority of coaches. That’s especially true for Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh, who likes to break the season down in quarters. With the 2024 schedule officially released for all 32 teams, they know exactly when some of their biggest matchups of the year will be and can now plan accordingly.
Each quarter of the season typically has a game or two which can prove to be pivotal. At least one matchup has a significant impact on potential playoff implications down the road as well as on current momentum. Here are some predictions of which matchup from each quarter of the Ravens’ 2024 schedule could be the most crucial of the bunch when the time comes.
First quarter: Week 1 vs. Kansas City Chiefs, September 5
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The season opener being the Ravens’ biggest game in September should come as no surprise, as it will come against the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. A victory would start their own quest for a title off on a great note. This matchup being a rematch of last season’s AFC championship adds extra juice. Even though the Ravens lost a lot of players in free agency, there are still plenty more whose wounds from that massive letdown are still fresh. They will be wanting some payback in this game to redeem themselves.
Second quarter: Week 5 at Cincinnati Bengals, October 6
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This will not only be the Ravens’ first game in October but it will also mark their first AFC North matchup with a hungry rival who they swept last year. The Bengals will be chomping at the bit to bounce back from finishing last in 2023 after winning back-to-back division crowns in 2021 and 2022. With a loaded divisional gauntlet in the second half of the season, notching their first on the road would give the Ravens a lot of momentum. This matchup follows the toughest slate of five games to start the season of any team in the league.
Third quarter: Week 11 at Pittsburgh Steelers, November 17
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The Ravens will have just come off their second matchup with the Bengals heading into their first against the Steelers, who have won a staggering seven of the last eight meetings between the two archrivals. In addition to being a second consecutive divisional matchup, it would make a fourth straight conference game as well. A win would further bolster their odds of repeating as AFC North champions and prevent them from getting swept by Pittsburgh for the second year in a row. It would also increase their likelihood of earning a higher playoff seed, assuming they’re in a position to seize one.
Fourth quarter: Week 18 vs. Cleveland Browns, To Be Announced
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The Ravens’ second straight year of playing on Christmas Day against the Houston Texans will be the most highly touted of their final stretch of games. However, their season finale against the Browns at home could decide who wins the division crown. The two teams split last year with each winning on the other’s home turf. With what could be heavy playoff implications at stake, though, a victory could mean the difference between securing home-field advantage, hosting at least one playoff game if they don’t get the No. 1 seed, or being a wildcard team in the postseason.