Upcoming Road Tests Await the Baltimore Ravens Squad

As the Baltimore Ravens look to snap their three-game losing streak and reassert themselves as AFC playoff contenders, they face a daunting stretch of five road games in their final eight contests—a gauntlet that will test their resilience, adaptability, and ability to win in hostile environments. Road games in the NFL are inherently challenging: teams must deal with travel fatigue, loud opposing crowds that disrupt communication, and the pressure of performing away from the familiarity of their home stadium. For the Ravens, these upcoming tests are more than just regular-season matchups; they’re a chance to prove they can overcome adversity, fix their offensive inconsistencies, and reestablish their defense as one of the league’s best. Upcoming Road Tests Await the Baltimore Ravens Squad breaks down the key games, the challenges each presents, and why navigating this stretch successfully is critical to the Ravens’ 2024 season.

Upcoming Road Tests Await the Baltimore Ravens Squad begins with the first major hurdle: a divisional showdown against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers, who currently lead the AFC North by one game, have one of the NFL’s most passionate and loudest fan bases—known for creating a “sea of yellow” that makes it hard for visiting teams to call plays. This game is a rematch of a recent narrow loss for the Ravens, where their offense struggled to convert third downs and Lamar Jackson was sacked three times. The Steelers’ defense, led by edge rusher T.J. Watt (11 sacks this season), will once again target the Ravens’ offensive line, which has shown vulnerabilities in recent weeks. “Playing the Steelers in Pittsburgh is never easy,” said Ravens head coach John Harbaugh. “Their crowd is a weapon, and their defense is physical. We need to be sharp from the first snap—no mistakes, no penalties, just execution.” The Ravens’ ability to handle the crowd noise will be key: in their last road game against the Bengals, they committed four false-start penalties due to crowd interference. Fixing that issue will be a top priority in practice this week.

A second critical road test is a cross-conference matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium. The 49ers, one of the top teams in the NFC, boast a balanced offense led by quarterback Brock Purdy and running back Christian McCaffrey, as well as a defense that ranks third in the NFL in points allowed per game. For the Ravens, this game will be a measuring stick: it will show whether their defense can contain a dynamic rushing attack (McCaffrey has 1,023 yards and 12 touchdowns) and whether their offense can move the ball against a disciplined 49ers secondary. The 49ers also have a history of success against the Ravens, winning their last two matchups—including a 34-31 thriller in 2022. “The 49ers are a complete team,” said Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald. “They don’t have obvious weaknesses, so we need to be perfect in our game plan. We can’t let McCaffrey get momentum early, and we have to pressure Purdy without leaving our secondary exposed.” Adding to the challenge is the cross-country travel: the Ravens will fly over 2,800 miles to San Francisco, a trip that can cause fatigue if not managed properly. The team has already adjusted its travel schedule, planning to leave two days early to acclimate to the time zone.

Upcoming Road Tests Await the Baltimore Ravens Squad also includes the challenge of winning in cold weather— a factor that will test the Baltimore Ravens’ physicality. Two of the Ravens’ upcoming road games (against the Cleveland Browns and Buffalo Bills) will likely be played in freezing temperatures, with wind chills potentially dropping below zero. Cold weather can affect passing games (balls become harder to grip, receivers’ hands get numb) and favor teams that rely on a physical rushing attack. For the Ravens, this is both a challenge and an opportunity: their rushing attack, led by J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards, is built for physical play, but Lamar Jackson’s passing accuracy has historically dipped in cold weather (he has a 78.3 passer rating in games below 40°F, compared to 98.5 in warmer conditions). “Cold weather changes the game,” said Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken. “We need to adjust our playbook—lean more on the run, use shorter passes that are easier to complete, and make sure our players are prepared physically and mentally.” For the Baltimore Ravens, practicing in cold conditions this week will be key: the team plans to hold outdoor practices at their Owings Mills facility, even if temperatures drop, to get players used to the elements.

Another key aspect of the Ravens’ upcoming road tests is the need to stay focused amid off-field distractions— a challenge for the Baltimore Ravens. The team has recently dealt with Dre'Mont Jones’ fine and ongoing questions about Lamar Jackson’s performance, and road games can amplify these distractions if players aren’t careful. To combat this, Harbaugh has implemented a “road focus plan”: limiting media access during travel, holding team-only meetings each night to review film, and bringing in sports psychologists to help players stay mentally locked in. “Distractions are everywhere, but on the road, they can be even more intense,” Harbaugh said. “Our plan is to create a ‘bubble’—focus only on the game, the team, and the task at hand. No outside noise, no extra stress, just football.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this mental discipline will be just as important as physical talent: in their recent losing streak, they’ve shown signs of letting frustration affect their play (e.g., unnecessary penalties, missed assignments). Staying focused on the road will help them avoid repeating those mistakes.

Finally, Upcoming Road Tests Await the Baltimore Ravens Squad wraps up with the playoff stakes— why these road games will define the Baltimore Ravens’ season. The AFC playoff picture is tight: currently, the Ravens are the sixth seed, but a few more losses could push them out of the playoff picture entirely. Winning at least three of their five upcoming road games would likely secure them a playoff spot and possibly a divisional title. More importantly, these games will prepare them for the playoffs, where road wins are often necessary to advance to the Super Bowl. “These road tests aren’t just about making the playoffs— they’re about getting ready to win in the playoffs,” said Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. “If we can win in Pittsburgh, San Francisco, and Buffalo, we can win anywhere. That’s the kind of team we need to be to compete for a Super Bowl.” For the Baltimore Ravens, navigating this stretch successfully will require everything they’ve built this season: roster stability, veteran leadership, and the ability to adapt. Upcoming Road Tests Await the Baltimore Ravens Squad ultimately shows that while the road ahead is tough, it’s also an opportunity—an chance for the Ravens to silence their critics, rebuild momentum, and prove they’re a true championship contender.