Baltimore Ravens: Breaking Down 2015 Schedule

Week 1: Sunday, September 13 at Denver, 4:25 pm EST (CBS)

The Ravens will start their 2015 NFL season against three familiar faces: Gary Kubiak, Owen Daniels, and Peyton Manning. This will be the first of four West Coast games and the beginning of a two-game West Coast swing. This matchup will be arguably their toughest non-divisional game of the season.

Head coach Gary Kubiak is familiar with the Ravens offensive scheme after being their offensive coordinator a season ago. Likewise, Owen Daniels, who left Baltimore to play under Kubiak, understands the Ravens’ defensive formations and how they defend an opposing team for an entire game. Lastly, one of the best NFL quarterbacks to play the game will be under center looking to lay a foundation for yet another impressive NFL season. Manning will be hungrier than ever to reach Super Bowl 50 this season after not getting to the big game a last season.

Their season opener will be one worth watching and could have major ramifications down the road. If they defeat the Broncos, the win will provide them a serious confidence boost. On the other hand, they will need to forget about the loss fast and prepare for their week 2 opponent.

Week 2: Sunday, September 20 at Oakland Raiders, 4:05 pm EST (CBS)

This will be one of the Ravens’ easier games of the 2015 season and they must capitalize. The Raiders are one of the worst NFL teams and Flacco must not stoop to his opponents’ skill level. He could easily throw for six or seven touchdowns and the Ravens’ defense should be able to expose the Raiders offense.

There is no excuse not to win this game. They will fly straight to Denver to California and have a full week to prepare. At this point, the Ravens should be 2-0 or 1-1. However, if they are 0-2 after this game, then the Ravens coaching staff will have many questions to answer as they head back on their long flight from California.

Week 3: September 27 vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 pm EST (CBS)

Just like their Week 1 battle against the Broncos, Week 3 will provide another test. This time it will be against AFC North rival Cincinnati Bengals in their first of two matches. Last season, the Ravens went 0-2 against the Bengals losing their season opener by seven and the second visit by three points.

This meeting should provide a similar scoreline. It should be a defensive battle until the final whistle. Cincinnati has become more competitive over the years within the AFC North and that showed last year. Baltimore can’t underestimate them this time around and must play smart football in order to come away with a key win. When the playoffs are on the line, this game’s result will be key to whether Baltimore makes the postseason or not for a second-straight season.

After the Ravens’ three September matches, fans will have a good understanding what kind of team they are for the 2015 season. Their first game in October will be one everyone will be tuned in for

Next: Ravens vs Steelers Highlights October Matches