Baltimore Ravens: Breaking Down 2015 Schedule

Jan 3, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) prepares to throw to ball for a touchdown pass against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the third quarter during the 2014 AFC Wild Card playoff football game at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Jason Bridge-USA TODAY Sports

Week 8 – November 1 vs. San Diego Chargers; 1:00 pm EST (CBS)

After playing five of their first seven games on the road, the Ravens return home for an extended homestand. They start November with a game against the San Diego Chargers. Philip Rivers‘ status on the Chargers seems to be in doubt as he is a strong favorite to be on the block as the 2015 NFL Draft approaches.

Nonetheless, the Ravens will be looking for revenge as the Charges came back to defeat them 34-33 behind 21 fourth-quarter points. Ironically, Rivers was a big part of that shocking win. Baltimore’s defense would use that game’s film as motivation and improve. They will not want to disappoint the home crowd a second straight year after leading the entire game until the Chargers scored their last-minute touchdown.

If the offense can reproduce their 33 points from that year, then a defense who executes their tackles and schemes better should be able to secure a win this time around.

Week 9 – Off Week

The off week in Week 9 will be a good time to assess how the Ravens have played in their first eight matches. If they aren’t above .500 at this point, then there will be room for alarm and concern. There will be time to fix things not going well and improve on things that are. Two weeks to prepare for the Jacksonville Jaguars is a blessing in disguise.

Week 10 – November 15 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 pm EST (CBS)

If the Ravens can not beat the Jacksonville Jaguars in week 10, then they do not deserve to make the playoffs. It’s likely a loss in week 10 would raise many red flags and cause many fans to flip out. Yet, this is the Ravens’ second easiest opponent on the schedule this year aside from the Raiders.

Flacco, Justin Forsett, and the rest of the offense should be able to set some kind(s) of NFL records this week. Don’t be surprised if Flacco or another member of the Ravens is named NFL Offensive Player of the Week after their slaughter of the Jags.

Mar 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams quarterback

(center) is introduced to the media at Rams Park. Foles is joined by Rams head coach

(left) and general manager Les Snead (right). Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports

Week 11 – November 22 vs. St. Louis Rams, 1:00 pm EST (FOX)

In their lone game on FOX, the Ravens will welcome a new-look St. Louis Rams to town for their third straight game. Ravens fans should be following Nick Foles this season as he competes with a new team after being traded by the Eagles to the Rams in exchange for Sam Bradford.

Both teams feature quarterbacks that can light up the scoreboard, but also have had their fair share of set backs due to tight defenses. With being at home in front of their fans, it appears the Ravens have a slight advantage in this game but not by much. The outcome of this game will be decided on which Flacco and Foles show up on the field that day.

Week 12 – November 30 at Cleveland Browns, 8:30 pm EST (ESPN)

Baltimore heads on the road for their lone road game of November and will take on Cleveland in front of a national audience. This will be the Ravens’ second Monday Night Football game up to this point and 2015 regular season game against the Browns.

Just like the first one, this game is one the Ravens need to come away with a win. They definitely can’t afford to go 0-2 against the Browns for a second season in a row. The Browns’ fans will be out in full force like they are no matter if the Browns are having a successful season or not. Baltimore can’t let the stadium noise to get to them physically and must persevere through it to come away with another big AFC North win.

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