Tag: Baltimore Ravens

5 hardest games on Ravens’ 2020 schedule

The Baltimore Ravens have the easiest strength of schedule in 2020 but will still have a few really tough games.

With the 2020 NFL schedule released, we finally know when the Baltimore Ravens will play each and every game and in which order. While the Ravens have the easiest schedule in the NFL, at least according to last year’s records, that doesn’t mean it’ll be a cakewalk this season.

Baltimore is slated to play some of the best teams in the league and with most roster improving from last year, there are plenty of games that will be tough. With an eye towards the future and which matchups could be the biggest thorns in the Ravens’ sides, let’s take a look at the hardest games for Baltimore in 2020.

Check out game-by-game score predictions from around the NFL Wires network:

Buf / Mia / NE / NYJ // Bal / Cin / Cle / Pit // Hou / Ind / Jax / Ten // Den / KC / LV / LAC //// Dal / NYG / Phi / Was // Chi / Det / GB / Min // Atl / Car / NO / TB // Ari / LAR / SF / Sea

Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

Week 1 vs. Cleveland Browns

The way the Ravens embarrassed the Browns at the end of last season, Cleveland is going to be looking for some revenge and a strong start for 2020.

While the Browns have struggled a lot in recent years, they’ve usually played Baltimore very tough regardless of their talent level. Cleveland is arguably one of the most talented teams in the league and with a new coaching staff, they might finally be able to turn that talent into wins. But it all starts in Week 1, which is a tough ask for the Ravens.

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Ravens are huge favorites against Browns in Week 1 to open 2020 season

The Baltimore Ravens 2020 schedule was just released and they debut as massive favorites over the Cleveland Browns in Week 1.

The Baltimore Ravens 2020 schedule was just released and oddsmakers are already set to take your bets. Week 1’s odds are up and at least one oddsmaker is a huge believer in the Ravens this season.

Going up against the Cleveland Browns to open the season, BetMGM has Baltimore as 7.5-point favorites right now. That’s a massive spread and it’s tied for the second-highest of the week thus far, falling behind the Arizona Cardinals at the San Francisco 49ers which debuted at 8.5 points.

With such a huge spread already set up, some might be tempted to put down some money to take advantage of it. No matter which way you bet — for or against the Ravens and the points — a $100 bet would be a $91 payout if you won.

Though Baltimore struggled early last year, losing to Cleveland in Week 3, it marked their last loss of the 2019 season. The Ravens demolished the Browns, in Cleveland, in Week 16, 31-15. Quarterback Lamar Jackson completed 64.5% of his passes for 238 yards and three touchdowns while adding another 103 rushing yards on 17 attempts.

In our early score predictions, I had it being a far closer game, with the Ravens winning by just five points. But if you’re the betting type and think you know how the game will go, take advantage of BetMGM’s hefty spread.

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Steelers HC Mike Tomlin fine with playing on Thanksgiving

The Steelers will face off with the Ravens on Thanksgiving.

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When you are one of the most popular NFL teams in the world, you are bound to get attention from the league’s schedule makers. Despite two straight seasons out of the playoffs, the Pittsburgh Steelers still land four prime time games including the late game on Thanksgiving.

Pittsburgh will square off with the Baltimore Ravens at home on the holiday in what will be a huge AFC North matchup and one of the most-watched games of the season. It can’t be fun for players to have to spend their holiday playing as opposed to being with family but it is something head coach Mike Tomlin is looking forward to.

“We just are humbled and honored to entertain our fans on a special day like that,” Tomlin said just after the schedule was announced. “We’ve had an opportunity to be in a number of those games over the years. We don’t take them for granted. We will be excited about this one.”

Thanksgiving games haven’t been kind to the Steelers. They are only 2-6 in the game with their last win being in 2016 against the Indianapolis Colts. The last time the Steelers and Ravens faced off on Thanksgiving the Ravens won 22-20.

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NFL schedule 2020: 7 teams with the easiest path to a division title

Looking at which teams have the easiest paths to victory in their division.

It’s time to scrutinize the 2020 NFL schedule. It’s time to pretend we know what will happen next season — if there is a season. It’s time to weigh strength of schedule, timing of bye and home-field advantage in order to guesstimate how the season may come together for each team.

We’ve got this, folks. Leave it to us.

Why are there only seven teams on this list when there are eight divisions? Well, no one has an easy path to the division title in the NFC West. That division is a total disaster zone, with the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams looking impressive. Any one of those teams could, in theory, finish on top.

Otherwise, here’s an exercise in educated conjecture. Here are seven teams with the easiest path to winning their division.

1. Dallas Cowboys

The Week 10 bye is actually nice. A late-season bye can work in a team’s advantage to help them carry into the postseason. But it’s no so late that they’ll be limping into the bye. They also get an extra week to prepare for the Vikings in Week 11 — Minnesota will probably have another strong season in 2020. And the Cowboys’ matchup against the Ravens essentially comes after another bye in Week 13 against the Washington Redskins. Dallas finishes their season with games against the Eagles and Giants. That should help them hold onto their division lead, if they get one.

2. Baltimore Ravens

They’re better than everyone else in their division by a multiple of 3. That is probably enough to get them to the top of the division. Baltimore also gets a Week 8 bye, and they finish the season vs. Jacksonville, vs. New York and at Cincinnati. Those are three easy wins to close out the year. Vegas loves the Cleveland Browns‘ strength of schedule (or lack thereof). But I can’t bring myself to pick Cleveland — they always make easy schedules look difficult.

3. Minnesota Vikings

They’ve got a tough schedule. This whole division’s schedule is tough. In theory, the Vikings can get a 1-0 lead over the Packers during their matchup in Week 1. Green Bay has an unfortunate Week 5 bye, but the Vikings get a slightly more advantageous bye in Week 7. Minnesota also finishes the season with two games which should be easy wins: the Bears (Week 15) and the Lions (Week 17). The Vikings also get a shot at the Saints in Week 16. It’s not an easy game, but it might be useful, if Minnesota needs to climb the ladder in the NFC standings.

4. Indianapolis Colts

They have the easiest schedule in the NFL, according to Las Vegas. Their schedule is comically unimpressive. They get to be at home for all of their toughest games: vs. the Vikings, vs. the Ravens and vs. the Packers.

5. New England Patriots

The entire AFC East is looking at a tough schedule, as they’re facing off against the NFC West. That shouldn’t be pretty. There’s a lot to like about the Buffalo Bills, whose defense is excellent and offense rides and dies with Josh Allen. There’s even more to like about all the talent headed to the Miami Dolphins. But Bill Belichick provides the biggest advantage for New England in handling that schedule. The Patriots have a few tough scheduling quirks, including a Week 6 bye and back-to-back games in L.A. But no one in the AFC East is happy with what they have on their schedule. Belichick is best equipped to manage, even without Tom Brady.

6. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers’ drew the Rams out of the NFC west (while the Saints drew the 49ers). I’d argue L.A. is probably going finish at the bottom of the NFC West in 2020 — they seem in line for a major regression. The Bucs also finish their season with two games against the Falcons and one game against the Detroit Lions. Both teams could be jockeying for the No. 1 overall pick. Maybe the Bucs lose in Week 1 to New Orleans. That’ll be fine, with the schedule looking fairly easy in Weeks 2 though Week 5 (vs. Panthers, @ Broncos, vs. Chargers and @ Bears).

7. Kansas City Chiefs

The Denver Broncos look like they have an easy-ish schedule. The L.A. Chargers have an obscenely gifted defense. But those teams have to play the Chiefs twice. Even more than that, Kansas City’s defense doesn’t have much to worry about in the division with quarterbacks Drew Lock (second year), journeyman Tyrod Taylor (or rookie Justin Herbert) and Derek Carr (or Marcus Mariota. This is the Chiefs’ division — no problem.

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Ravens have 5 primetime games in 2020 including Thanksgiving matchup vs. Steelers

The Ravens will get a rare treat when they take on the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thanksgiving. It’s just one of their five primetime games

The Baltimore Ravens cemented themselves as one of the best teams in the NFL last season. They quickly overcame defensive issues to coast through the second half of the season, posting a 14-2 record. Not only did they win almost all of their games, they absolutely destroyed several playoff teams in the process. While the 2019 season didn’t end in the fashion the Ravens would have liked, they’re reaping the rewards of their regular-season success in 2020.

With the Ravens’ 2020 schedule released, Baltimore is slated to play five primetime games this upcoming season. The Ravens will be featured on “Monday Night Football” twice, “Sunday Night Football” once, and “Thursday Night Football” twice, including a great Thanksgiving matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Here’s the full list of primetime games Baltimore gets in 2020:

  • Week 3 vs. Kansas City Chiefs
  • Week 10 at New England Patriots
  • Week 12 at Pittsburgh Steelers
  • Week 13 vs. Dallas Cowboys
  • Week 14 at Cleveland Browns

It’s worth pointing out the Ravens have only had one other game on Thanksgiving, which just so happened to also be against the Steelers. Baltimore won that game, 22-20, edging out Pittsburgh in the final minute. As shown on the main photo, wide receiver Jacoby Jones won the coveted turkey leg that night after being tripped up by Steelers coach Mike Tomlin on a long kickoff return.

Perhaps even more impressive than the sheer number of primetime games Baltimore will get is that they have three of them in a row. From Week 12-14, the Ravens will be on in front of a national audience. That consistency in the spotlight should help Baltimore increase their fanbase abroad.

With several marquee matchups on the docket for 2020, and plenty in the spotlight, the Ravens will have a chance to show the entire world just how good they are.

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2020 Jaguars schedule: Jacksonville has 1 primetime game

The Jacksonville Jaguars’ schedule is out and starts with two divisional games against the Colts and Titans.

Coach Doug Marrone will be heading into his third consecutive year with the Jacksonville Jaguars and will be looking to improve upon two consecutive losing seasons. While it will be an uphill battle due to having a significantly younger team, the Jags’ lineup could be much worse as their strength of schedule only ranks 22nd.

This year, they will open up against the Indianapolis Colts at home, which won’t be easy by any means. The team recently added veteran quarterback Philip Rivers, who has a 7-2 overall record against them with a 69.44% completion rate in their head-to-heads. He’s also thrown 24 touchdowns with just five picks against them.

Following that game, the Jags will get to knock another divisional game out of the way by traveling to the Tennessee Titans, who they split last year’s series with (1-1). Following that game, they’ll come back home for a Thursday Night Football matchup against rookie quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the Miami Dolphins, which will be the only primetime game on the schedule barring some changes.

Their next notable game comes against the Houston Texans Week 5 at NRG Stadium, marking their third in the AFC South of the regular season. Four weeks later the two will meet again in Jacksonville.

Afterward, the Jags will head to the legendary Lambeau Field to take on the Green Bay Packers and Aaron Rodgers. The following week they will come home to take on a longtime AFC Rival in the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Jags’ roughest patch will come during the last quarter of the season where they will battle to AFC South rivals in the Titans (Week 14) and Colts (Week 17). In the middle of those games, they will also have to travel to Baltimore to face NFL MVP Lamar Jackson and will have a home game against the Chicago Bears, who could be led by former Jag Nick Foles if Mitch Trubisky hasn’t retained his job.

The full schedule is as follows:

  • Week 1: vs. Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, Sept. 13, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 2: at Tennessee Titans (Sunday, Sept. 20, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 3: vs. Miami Thursday Night Football (Thursday, Sept. 24, 8:20 PM)
  • Week 4: at Cincinnati Bengals (Sunday, Oct. 4, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 5: at Houston Texans (Sunday, Oct. 11, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 6: vs. Detroit Lions (Sunday, Oct. 18, 1:00 PM)
  • Bye
  • Week 8: at Los Angeles Chargers (Sunday, Nov. 11, 4:05 PM ET)
  • Week 9: vs. Houston Texans (Sunday, Nov. 8, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 10: at Green Bay Packers (Sunday, Nov. 15, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 11: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday, Nov. 22, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 12: vs. Cleveland Browns (Sunday, Nov. 29, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 13: at Minnesota Vikings (Sunday, Dec. 6, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 14: vs. Tennessee Titans (Sunday, Dec. 13, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 15: at Baltimore Ravens (Sunday, Dec. 20, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 16: vs. Chicago Bears (Sunday, Dec. 27, 1:00 PM)
  • Week 17: at Indianapolis Colts (Sunday, Jan. 3, 1:00 PM)

Philadelphia Eagles complete 2020 regular season schedule

Philadelphia Eagles complete 2020 regular season schedule

The Philadelphia Eagles have known for months who their opponents will be for this upcoming season and moments ago the team officially released their 2020 NFL schedule.

The Eagles will play their three NFC East opponents (Dal, NYG, Was), four AFC North opponents (Bal, Cle, Pit, Cin) along with four teams from the NFC West (49ers, Rams, Seahawks, Cardinals) along with the Saints and Packers.

Here’s your complete Philadelphia Eagles 2020 regular-season NFL schedule.

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Complete 2020 Regular Season Schedule

Week Opponent Date/Time (ET) Network
1 WAS 9/13 — 1:00 PM
2 LAR 9/20 — 1:00 PM
3 CIN 9/27 — 1:00 PM
4 SF 10/4 — 8:20 PM
5 Pit 10/11 — 1:00 PM
6 Bal 10/18 — 1:00 PM
7 NYG 10/22 — 8:20 PM
8 Dal 11/1 — 8:20 PM
9 Bye
10 NYG 11/15 — 1:00 PM
11 CLE 11/22 — 1:00 PM
12 SEA 11/30 — 8:15 PM
13 GB 12/6 — 4:25 PM
14 NO 12/13 — 4:25 PM
15 ARI 12/20 — 4:05 PM
16 DAL 12/27 — 4:25 PM
17 WAS 1/3 — 1:00 PM

 

Baltimore Ravens 2020 schedule: Ravens play on Thanksgiving

We’ve known the 13 opponents the Baltimore Ravens would see in 2020 but with their schedule released, we now know the order.

The Baltimore Ravens’ 2020 schedule has finally been released and while we’ve known the 13 teams they’d face this season, it’s a bit of a relief to know the actual order.

Baltimore will open the season up against their own division, facing off against the Cleveland Browns. The Ravens will close out their season against the Cincinnati Bengals, which will be the 11th consecutive season with a Week 17 game against an AFC North opponent and the seventh time they’ve ended with the Bengals over the stretch. For those out of the typical broadcast area, the Ravens will get five primetime games this year that you’ll be able to watch, including a Thanksgiving matchup against the Steelers.

Take a look at the full 2020 schedule for the Ravens.

Baltimore Ravens 2020 schedule

Week Opponent Date/Time (ET)
1 vs. Cleveland Browns Sunday, Sept. 13, 1:00 p.m. ET
2 at Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 20, 4:25 p.m. ET
3 vs. Kansas City Chiefs Monday, Sept. 28, 8:15 p.m. ET
4 at Washington Redskins Sunday, Oct. 4, 1:00 p.m. ET
5 vs. Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Oct. 11, 1:00 p.m. ET
6 at Philadelphia Eagles Sunday, Oct. 18, 1:00 p.m. ET
7 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Sunday, Oct. 25, 1:00 p.m. ET
8 Bye
9 at Indianapolis Colts Sunday, Nov. 8, 1:00 p.m. ET
10 at New England Patriots Sunday, Nov. 15, 8:20 p.m. ET
11 vs. Tennessee Titans Sunday, Nov. 22, 1:00 p.m. ET
12 at Pittsburgh Steelers Thursday, Nov. 26, 8:20 p.m. ET
13 vs. Dallas Cowboys Thursday, Dec. 3, 8:20 p.m. ET
14 at Cleveland Browns Monday, Dec. 14, 8:15 p.m. ET
15 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday, Dec. 20, 1:00 p.m. ET
16 vs. New York Giants Sunday, Dec. 27, 1:00 p.m. ET
17 at Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, Jan. 2, 1:00 p.m. ET

 

Baltimore Ravens GM says former Ohio State RB J.K. Dobbins is a “three-down back”

The Baltimore Ravens got a steal by drafting J.K. Dobbins in the second round, and the team’s GM is absolutely thrilled with his fit.

J.K. Dobbins slide by the Kansas City Chiefs and entered the second round still undrafted.

When the Baltimore Ravens were on the clock with reigning MVP Lamar Jackson on the roster, they weren’t letting the NCAA’s most dominant running back get away.

They snatched up J.K. Dobbins who was coming of one of the most impressive seasons by a running back in college football history, taking into account that he didn’t play in the bulk of most fourth quarters.

Continuing the high praise for J.K., the Ravens’ GM Eric DeCosta called him a “three-down back.” While it’s not for certain, Dobbins could easily be the future of the running back position in Baltimore.

Mark Ingram, who helped Jackson created an almost unstoppable offense last season, is 30. He’ll be solid for a few more seasons, but it’ll soon be time for the J.K. Dobbins show, just like it was during his last season at Ohio State.

“An outstanding fit,” Dobbins was finally taken off the board with the 55th pick, and it doesn’t seem like the Ravens’ front office could be any more excited with his addition.

 

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Ravens sign 6 of 10 draft picks, including RB J.K. Dobbins

The Baltimore Ravens are quickly getting their massive draft class under contract, officially signing six of their 10 2020 NFL Draft picks.

The Baltimore Ravens aren’t messing around when it comes to getting their 10-man 2020 NFL Draft class signed. The Ravens have been making quick work of the paperwork, officially having six of their 10 picks now signed.

The Ravens announced they’ve signed the following of their draft picks to rookie contracts:

RB J.K. Dobbins – 2nd round

DT Justin Madubuike – 3rd round

OL Ben Bredeson – 5th round

WR James Proche – 6th round

S Geno Stone – 7th round

Baltimore was the first team in the NFL to sign one of their draft picks, getting fifth-round defensive tackle Broderick Washington Jr. under contract on Tuesday. With six of their draft picks under contract, the Ravens have just four players remaining, including first-round pick Patrick Queen.

Though the rookie pay scale makes getting contracts ironed out a lot easier than a decade ago, it’s still not a done deal from the moment the phone rings on draft day. In recent years, we’ve seen picks get signed just before training camp begins and even players hold out into the regular season over intricacies in their contracts. The Ravens getting so many of their draft picks signed this early eliminates just one hurdle in what has already been a tumultuous offseason.

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