Schedule Endgames Critical for Success of the Baltimore Ravens

With just six games left in the regular season, the Baltimore Ravens’ schedule “endgames”—a stretch of high-stakes matchups against playoff contenders, divisional rivals, and teams fighting for their own postseason lives—have become make-or-break for their 2024 success. This isn’t a stretch of “easy wins” or “tune-up games”; every contest from here on out carries weight, with each victory inching them closer to a playoff spot and each loss threatening to derail their campaign. For a team that’s already navigated a three-game losing streak and roster adjustments to fix key issues, the endgame schedule is the ultimate test: can they execute under pressure, exploit favorable matchups, and avoid costly mistakes against elite competition? Schedule Endgames Critical for Success of the Baltimore Ravens explores the key games that will define their season, the challenges each presents, and why winning even half of these contests could be enough to secure a postseason berth.

Schedule Endgames Critical for Success of the Baltimore Ravens begins with the divisional showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers (Week 14)— a game that could decide the AFC North title. The Steelers currently lead the division with an 8-4 record, just one game ahead of the Ravens (7-5), and this matchup at Acrisure Stadium will be their second of the season (the Steelers won the first 23-20). For the Ravens, this game is about more than just catching up in the division; it’s about proving they can win in a hostile environment against a team that has their number. The Steelers’ defense, led by T.J. Watt (12 sacks), will target the Ravens’ offensive line— a unit that’s been stabilized by Patrick Mekari’s extension but still struggles against elite pass rushers. Offensively, the Ravens need Lamar Jackson to find rhythm with new wide receiver Demarcus Robinson, who could draw coverage away from Zay Flowers. “This is a must-win if we want to control our own destiny in the division,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said. “The Steelers are playing well, but we’ve made adjustments since we last played them. We’re ready for the challenge.” A win here would tie the Ravens with the Steelers in the division standings; a loss would push them two games back, forcing them to rely on wildcard spots.

A second critical endgame matchup is the road test against the San Francisco 49ers (Week 15)— a measuring stick for the Ravens’ championship potential. The 49ers (10-2) are one of the NFL’s top teams, with a balanced offense (led by Brock Purdy and Christian McCaffrey) and a defense that ranks third in points allowed per game. For the Ravens, this game isn’t just about playoff seeding—it’s about seeing if they can compete with the league’s best, a necessary litmus test for any team with Super Bowl aspirations. The 49ers’ run defense (allowing just 85 yards per game) will challenge the Ravens’ rushing attack, which has relied on Keaton Mitchell’s speed and Gus Edwards’ power. Defensively, the Ravens need Arthur Maulet (promoted from the practice squad) and the secondary to slow down 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel, who can beat teams both as a receiver and a runner. “Playing the 49ers on the road will show us exactly where we stand,” defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald said. “They don’t have obvious weaknesses, so we need to be perfect in our game plan and execution. This is the kind of game that prepares you for the playoffs.” A win here would boost the Ravens’ playoff resume and confidence; a loss would highlight lingering flaws, especially against top-tier competition.

Schedule Endgames Critical for Success of the Baltimore Ravens also includes the home game against the Cincinnati Bengals (Week 16)— a divisional rivalry that could secure the Baltimore Ravens’ wildcard spot. The Bengals (7-5) are right behind the Ravens in the AFC wildcard race, and this matchup at M&T Bank Stadium will be a battle for positioning. The Bengals’ offense revolves around Joe Burrow and Ja’Marr Chase— a duo the Ravens have struggled to contain (Chase had 125 yards against them in Week 9). But the Ravens’ recent roster moves— including Maulet’s promotion and Mekari’s extension— should help: Maulet can provide additional coverage for Chase, while a stable offensive line will give Jackson time to pass. The Ravens also have a home-field advantage: M&T Bank Stadium is one of the loudest in the NFL, and the crowd can disrupt the Bengals’ communication. “Playing the Bengals at home is a huge plus,” Harbaugh said. “Our fans are our 12th man, and they’ll make it tough for Burrow to call plays. We need to feed off that energy and get a win for our playoff push.” For the Baltimore Ravens, a win here would create distance between them and the Bengals in the wildcard race; a loss would let Cincinnati pull even, increasing the pressure for the final game of the season.

Another key endgame contest is the road game against the Buffalo Bills (Week 17)— a clash of playoff contenders that could shape the AFC’s top seed. The Bills (9-3) have one of the NFL’s best defenses (led by Tre’Davious White) and an offense that’s found its rhythm with Josh Allen at quarterback. For the Ravens, this game is a chance to improve their playoff seeding— a higher seed would mean a home wildcard game, which significantly boosts a team’s chances of advancing. But the Bills’ defense will test the Ravens’ adjusted offense: White can shut down one wide receiver (likely Flowers), forcing Jackson to rely on Robinson and tight end Mark Andrews. The Ravens’ running game will also be critical here— the Bills’ run defense is middle-of-the-pack (allowing 105 yards per game), giving Mitchell and Edwards an opportunity to control the clock. “The Bills are a tough team, but we’ve shown we can win on the road when we’re focused,” Jackson said. “We need to run the ball well, avoid turnovers, and play disciplined defense. That’s the formula for success against them.” For the Baltimore Ravens, a win here would solidify their status as a top wildcard team; a loss could drop them to a lower seed, forcing them to play a road wildcard game against a tough opponent.

Finally, Schedule Endgames Critical for Success of the Baltimore Ravens wraps up with the season finale against the Cleveland Browns (Week 18)— a game that could be a playoff “win-or-go-home” scenario for the Baltimore Ravens. The Browns (6-6) are still in the wildcard hunt, and this matchup at M&T Bank Stadium could decide whether the Ravens make the playoffs or not. If the Ravens have already secured a spot, this game could be a chance to rest key players (like Jackson and Watt) for the postseason. But if they’re on the bubble, it will be a high-pressure contest where every play matters. The Browns’ offense relies on Nick Chubb’s rushing (he’s back from injury) and Deshaun Watson’s passing, so the Ravens’ run defense (which has improved with recent adjustments) will need to step up. “The season finale is always important, but this one could be do-or-die,” DeCosta said. “We’ve made roster moves to fix our issues, and now it’s up to the team to execute in these final games. We believe in this group, and we’re ready to finish strong.” For the Baltimore Ravens, the endgame schedule is more than just a list of opponents—it’s a chance to prove they’re a playoff-caliber team, one that can overcome adversity and win when it matters most. Schedule Endgames Critical for Success of the Baltimore Ravens ultimately shows that in the NFL, the final stretch of the season separates the contenders from the pretenders— and the Ravens are fighting to be on the right side of that line.