Upcoming Rivalries Loom Large for the Baltimore Ravens

As the Baltimore Ravens push toward the 2025 NFL playoffs, a slate of high-stakes rivalries stands between them and their Super Bowl aspirations—matchups that carry not just win-loss implications, but decades of history, intense fan passion, and the kind of pressure that separates contenders from pretenders. These aren’t just regular games: they’re battles against divisional foes who know the Ravens’ strengths and weaknesses, and potential playoff clashes with AFC powerhouses that have dominated recent postseason matchups. For the Ravens, these upcoming rivalries are more than tests of talent—they’re opportunities to prove they can outlast the NFL’s toughest competition when it matters most. Upcoming Rivalries Loom Large for the Baltimore Ravens breaks down the key matchups on the horizon, their significance to the Ravens’ season, and how the team is preparing to turn these rivalries into wins. For Ravens Nation, these games are the reason they pack M&T Bank Stadium and tune in every Sunday—they’re where legends are made, and seasons are defined.

Upcoming Rivalries Loom Large for the Baltimore Ravens begins with the most intense rivalry on the Ravens’ schedule: their Week 17 showdown with the Pittsburgh Steelers, a divisional clash that has shaped the AFC North for decades. The Ravens-Steelers rivalry is defined by physicality, close games, and playoff implications—and this year’s matchup is no different. With the AFC North title potentially on the line, the Ravens know they’ll face a Steelers team that has dominated recent meetings, winning three of their last four matchups. The Steelers’ defense, led by pass rusher T.J. Watt, has historically given Lamar Jackson trouble, sacking him 12 times in their last five games. But the Ravens have their own weapons: running back Derrick Henry, who rushed for 118 yards against the Steelers earlier this season, and a defense that has held Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett to a 58% completion rate in their 2025 matchup. “This isn’t just a game—it’s a rivalry,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “The Steelers know us, we know them, and every play matters. You can’t afford to make mistakes against a team like that.” For the Ravens, a win over the Steelers would not only secure the division but also give them momentum heading into the playoffs—and bragging rights over a rival that has haunted them in recent years.

Another critical upcoming rivalry is the Ravens’ potential AFC Wild Card matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals, a team that has become a thorn in Baltimore’s side since Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase joined the Bengals. The Ravens and Bengals have split their 2025 regular-season matchups, with each team winning on the other’s home field. The Bengals’ offense, led by Burrow’s precision passing and Chase’s ability to exploit coverage gaps, has proven capable of picking apart the Ravens’ defense—Chase caught 8 passes for 145 yards and a touchdown in their Week 12 matchup. But the Ravens have found success against the Bengals by leaning on their running game and forcing Burrow into turnovers: in their Week 6 win, the Ravens sacked Burrow four times and intercepted him twice. “The Bengals are a tough out—they have playmakers all over the field,” Ravens linebacker Roquan Smith said. “But we’ve shown we can beat them when we play our game: run the ball, pressure the quarterback, and limit their big plays.” Upcoming Rivalries Loom Large for the Baltimore Ravens notes that a playoff matchup with the Bengals would be a rematch of last year’s Wild Card loss, adding extra motivation for the Ravens to avenge that defeat and advance deeper into the postseason.

Upcoming Rivalries Loom Large for the Baltimore Ravens also delves into a potential AFC Divisional Round matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, a rivalry that has emerged as one of the NFL’s most exciting in recent years. The Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, have beaten the Ravens in two of their last three playoff meetings, including a 2023 AFC Championship Game that saw Mahomes lead a fourth-quarter comeback. The Chiefs’ offense, with its mix of Mahomes’ improvisation and tight end Travis Kelce’s route-running, poses a unique challenge for the Ravens’ defense—Mahomes has thrown for 850 yards and 7 touchdowns against Baltimore in their last three games. But the Ravens have made adjustments: in their 2025 regular-season loss to the Chiefs, they held Mahomes to just one touchdown and forced two turnovers, falling short only because of late-game mistakes. For the Baltimore Ravens, a playoff matchup with the Chiefs would be a chance to dethrone the AFC’s reigning champions and prove they can beat the best. “We know what we’re up against with the Chiefs—they’re a great team, and Mahomes is a great quarterback,” Jackson said. “But we’ve grown a lot since last year’s playoff loss, and we’re ready to show we can compete with them when it counts.” The Ravens have been studying the Chiefs’ offense in practice, focusing on limiting Mahomes’ ability to extend plays with his legs—a key to slowing down Kansas City’s attack.

A less talked-about but equally important upcoming rivalry is the Ravens’ potential matchup with the Buffalo Bills, a team that has emerged as an AFC contender behind quarterback Josh Allen and a dominant defense. The Bills and Ravens have played just twice in the last five years, but their 2025 regular-season game—a 27-24 Bills win—showed just how competitive this rivalry can be. Allen, who threw for 310 yards and two touchdowns against the Ravens, used his size and mobility to elude Baltimore’s pass rush, while the Bills’ defense held Henry to just 65 rushing yards. For the Baltimore Ravens, a playoff matchup with the Bills would test their ability to stop a dual-threat quarterback and handle the Bills’ physical defense. “The Bills are a tough team—Allen can beat you with his arm or his legs, and their defense is one of the best in the league,” Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said. “We need to be disciplined on defense, limit their big plays, and make sure we take advantage of our own opportunities on offense.” The Ravens have been working on specific drills to contain Allen, including using edge rushers to force him into the pocket and linebackers to cover his scrambling lanes. A win over the Bills would not only advance the Ravens in the playoffs but also establish them as a force to be reckoned with in the AFC.

The Ravens’ upcoming rivalries also include a potential matchup with the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl, a cross-conference rivalry that dates back to the Ravens’ 2013 Super Bowl win over the 49ers. The 49ers, led by quarterback Brock Purdy and a dominant rushing attack, have one of the NFL’s best defenses, ranking first in points allowed and second in sacks. A Super Bowl matchup with the 49ers would pit the Ravens’ running game against San Francisco’s run defense (which allows just 85 rushing yards per game) and Jackson against a 49ers secondary that has intercepted 18 passes this season. For the Baltimore Ravens, a Super Bowl rivalry with the 49ers would be a chance to avenge their 2019 playoff loss to San Francisco and win their third Super Bowl title. “The 49ers are a complete team—they can run the ball, stop the run, and make plays on defense,” Harbaugh said. “But we’re a complete team too, and we’ve shown we can beat anyone when we play our best.” The Ravens have been scouting the 49ers all season, focusing on ways to exploit San Francisco’s weaknesses—specifically, their vulnerability to screen passes and their struggles against mobile quarterbacks. A Super Bowl win over the 49ers would not only cement the Ravens’ status as an NFL dynasty but also add a new chapter to one of the league’s most compelling cross-conference rivalries.

Upcoming Rivalries Loom Large for the Baltimore Ravens concludes with the Ravens entering the final stretch of the season knowing that their ability to win these key matchups will determine their legacy. These aren’t just games—they’re opportunities to prove they can outlast the NFL’s toughest competition, avenge past losses, and bring a Super Bowl title back to Baltimore. For the Ravens, the upcoming rivalries are a chance to show the league that they’re more than just a good team—they’re a great one. For Ravens Nation, these games are the culmination of a season’s worth of hope, passion, and dedication. “We’ve been waiting for this—for a chance to beat the teams that have beaten us, and to show the world what the Ravens are made of,” said longtime fan Emily Carter. “These rivalries are why we love football, and why we love this team.” As the Ravens prepare to face their rivals head-on, they know one thing for sure: they’re ready for the challenge. In the end, Upcoming Rivalries Loom Large for the Baltimore Ravens is a story about resilience, determination, and the pursuit of greatness—one rivalry win at a time.