Baltimore Ravens: Breaking Down 2015 Schedule

Week 4: October 1 at Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:25 pm EST (CBS/NFL Network)

The Ravens’ first of currently five scheduled prime-time games couldn’t have come against a more fitting opponent. Arguably the most physical NFL rivalry, the Ravens will look to extend their winning streak to three games against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite key losses to both teams in the offseason, this rivalry is still relevant and provide a great foundation to start Week 4 NFL action.

Last season, the rivalry saw the margin of victory at an average of almost 18 points. This was historically higher than past seasons and each victory saw the winning side win by more than 10 post. Don’t expect this large scoring margins in 2015. These games usually come down to which team has the better kicker and that should be the case. Due to this fact, the Ravens have a slight edge with Justin Tucker as their kicker; this is his final year under his rookie contract and they must re-sign him long-term with games like these against the Steelers in mind.

These games against the Ravens and Steelers always bring out the unexpected. They are two hard to predict and figure out which quarterback will throw for historic numbers or which defense can prevent the foe from scoring a touchdown. Flip a coin and you’ll have a better chance at choosing the winning side.

Week 5: October 11 vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 pm EST (CBS)

Ten days after taking on the Steelers, the Ravens will take on the weakest of their divisional foes. This doesn’t mean they can walk into the game unprepared, but it won’t be as taxing as a game as their matches against the Steelers are. Last season the Brown kept it close in both games against the Ravens and that should be expected this season.

Johnny Manziel could become the Browns’ starting QB by this meeting or Brian Hoyer may still be under center. Either way this divisional game should be competitive. The Ravens must come in prepared and mentally ready, or else they could be embarrassed at home against the Browns in a game they need to win.

Nov 9, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett (29) celebrates after scoring a touchdown in the third quarter against the Tennessee Titans at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports

Week 6: October 18 at San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 pm EST (CBS)

After one of their easier 2015 NFL regular-season games, the Ravens will head on the road for the second West Coast trip of the season. It will be a rematch of Super Bowl XLVII and the first time since the Harbaugh brothers faced-off. This time though Jim Harbaugh won’t be in 49ers gold, but rather in Michigan blue and gold. Yet, WR Torrey Smith will be playing for the 49ers this time around against his former team.

Whether or not Jim is there supporting his brother John, the Ravens will face a weaker 49ers side than they did in the Harbaugh Bowl. Last year the 49ers’ defense was in shambles and exposed multiple times by the opposing offense. This is another great opportunity for Flacco’s strong arm to find his men deep and the run game to find holes in the defense. A win against the 49ers would provide the Ravens confidence headed into their first Monday Night Football game.

Week 7: October 26 at Arizona Cardinals, 8:30 pm EST (ESPN)

The Cardinals started their 2014 season off strong and cooled off to finish 11-5. Bruce Arians runs a tight ship led by Larry Fitzgerald. They deployed three different quarterbacks under center mainly due to injuries in 2014. No matter who is leading their offensive schemes in 2015, the Ravens will face a tough test.

Fitzgerald appears to easily find a way to lose his coverage and secure big gains on the field. The Ravens secondary led by Jimmy Smith will need to make sure this doesn’t happen if the Ravens have a chance at winning. There’s a reason why this game is on ESPN; both teams have the ability to air it deep and score often. This game will come down to which defense can stop their opponents the longest and most effectively.

This game is one of those “toss-up” and hard to predict a scoreline type of games.

Next: Homestand in November