AFC North 2021 Schedule Analysis: Baltimore Ravens
Coming into his fourth season, QB Lamar Jackson will look to get over the hump and get it done in the playoffs. First, he must play through a regular season to get there, which will feature some exciting matchups, interesting games, and a ton at stake with big games down the stretch. Let us break down the Ravens schedule and see how their season will go in 2021.
Last Year’s Record: 11-5
Most Intriguing Game: Week 5 vs. Indianapolis (MNF)
In Week 5, the Ravens will be home to take on QB Carson Wentz and the Indianapolis Colts. This game will be on Monday Night Football and will be the Ravens third primetime game in the first five weeks and their second Monday Night Football game with their first coming Week 1 against the Raiders. The Colts are coming into this season with serious expectations, sporting a solid offense and a lockdown defense headlined by LB Darius Leonard. This game will be a good test for Baltimore to see where they need to improve for the rest of the season. Also, getting a win here would be a quality victory and can bode well for the team’s success and momentum into their three games after that before their bye week. This should be an exciting matchup and will be must-see TV on Monday Night.
Most Important Game: Week 14 at Cleveland
If all projections hold, the Baltimore Ravens and the Cleveland Browns are going to be in a dogfight for much of the season, fighting for the AFC North crown. In Week 14, Baltimore will travel to Cleveland to take on their division foe for the second time in three weeks. For Cleveland, they will be coming off a bye week, while Baltimore has Pittsburgh sandwiched in between their games against the Browns. Depending on how the first matchup goes, Baltimore might be looking at a two-game sweep over Cleveland, which gives them a massive advantage with tiebreakers. Or, if they lose the first meeting, the next one becomes that much more important to avoid getting swept and falling behind Cleveland. Regardless, both matchups are going to be extremely important, but to get a road win over a division rival is tough and would be a statement if they can get it done.
Most Important Stretch: Weeks 9-11
Coming out of their bye week, the Ravens have three tough opponents right out of the gate. First, they are home against Minnesota, followed by two straight road games against Miami and Chicago. This stretch of games might make or break the Ravens season, as they play three straight divisional opponents following this stretch. Each team in this stretch has at least a mediocre defense, with two of the three having an elite one (Miami, Chicago). Losing three straight out of a bye week would be a killer, but this will most likely be avoided because of the talent the Ravens have. Winning two out of three would put the Ravens in a really good spot for the playoffs before they play the sea of divisional matchups to end their season.
Prediction: 11-6
In 2021, I predict the Baltimore Ravens will finish second in the division but make the playoffs at 11-6. In division, Baltimore should go 4-2, splitting with Cleveland and Pittsburgh while sweeping Cincinnati. Their four losses out of division will come against Kansas City, Los Angeles (AFC), Miami, and Los Angeles (NFC). In the win column, Baltimore should win four of their first five against Las Vegas, Detroit, Denver, and a big win over the Colts. After the bye week, Baltimore should beat Minnesota, Chicago, and Green Bay, to gain a clean sweep over the NFC North. Baltimore has no ceiling with 11 wins being their floor. It is all about what they do in January that is going to matter the most for the Ravens in 2021.
Info from profootballreference.com
Schedule from nfl.com
Writer
-By: Richie Dordas