BY: @OOSSports
The Baltimore Ravens enter Week 7 at 4-2, tied with two division rivals and facing a critical stretch of their schedule. Can Lamar Jackson’s return help Baltimore regain control of the AFC North and make another playoff run? Here is our game-by-game prediction for the remainder of the 2026 regular season.
Baltimore’s Season Reaches a Turning Point
The Baltimore Ravens have reached a defining moment in their 2026 NFL season.
At 4-2 through six games, the Baltimore Ravens remain firmly in contention for the AFC North championship. However, Sunday’s disappointing 13-10 defeat against the Cleveland Browns raised serious concerns about the team’s offensive consistency, ability to protect leads and readiness for the difficult schedule ahead.
Before that setback, the Ravens had won four of their first five games. Specifically, Baltimore secured victories over Indianapolis, Dallas, Tennessee and Atlanta. Meanwhile, its only previous defeat came against the New Orleans Saints in Week 2. Despite that promising start, the Ravens still have several weaknesses to address.
Against Cleveland, Baltimore initially appeared to be in control after building a 10-0 halftime lead. However, the offense failed to score in the second half. Meanwhile, the Browns capitalized on a costly Derrick Henry fumble and eventually tied the game. Ultimately, Cleveland secured the victory on Andre Szmyt’s 37-yard field goal as time expired.
Additionally, Baltimore faced the challenge of playing without its starting quarterback. Backup Tyler Huntley started in place of Lamar Jackson, who missed his second consecutive game because of an ankle injury. Although Baltimore’s defense delivered several important stops, the offense struggled to capitalize on its opportunities. As a result, the Ravens suffered their second defeat of the season.
Furthermore, the loss created a three-way tie atop the AFC North. Cleveland, Pittsburgh and Baltimore each stand at 4-2. Meanwhile, Cincinnati remains close behind at 3-2. Consequently, every remaining divisional matchup could carry significant implications for the standings.
In particular, Baltimore still has five AFC North games remaining. Therefore, the Ravens must perform better against their division rivals to strengthen their chances of winning the championship. Otherwise, additional divisional defeats could complicate their postseason path.
At the same time, first-year head coach Jesse Minter faces an increasingly important challenge. Specifically, he must transform Baltimore’s promising start into a consistent, playoff-caliber season. To accomplish that goal, the Ravens must improve their offensive execution, protect the football and avoid costly mistakes.
Looking ahead, Baltimore has 11 games remaining, including challenging road trips to Buffalo, Houston, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. Moreover, several of those opponents could have a direct influence on the Ravens’ playoff positioning.
Nevertheless, Baltimore still controls its ability to compete for a postseason berth through its remaining results. If Jackson returns healthy and the offense becomes more consistent, the Ravens could emerge as a serious threat in the AFC.
Ultimately, the next 11 games will determine whether Baltimore can turn its 4-2 start into a successful regular-season finish. For now, the Ravens remain legitimate contenders. However, they must begin delivering more complete performances if they hope to compete for the AFC North title and make a meaningful postseason run.
Our prediction: The Ravens finish the regular season 11-6, winning seven of their final 11 games and remaining firmly in the AFC playoff race.
Here is how we see the rest of Baltimore’s season unfolding.
Week 7: Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens — October 25
Prediction: Ravens win 27-24
Projected record: 5-2
The Ravens begin their remaining schedule with a crucial AFC North matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals at M&T Bank Stadium.
This contest carries enormous divisional implications. Cincinnati enters the week at 3-2, while Baltimore needs to respond immediately after its disappointing performance in Cleveland.
Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow presents a significant challenge for Baltimore’s secondary, particularly if Cincinnati establishes an early passing rhythm.
The Ravens must control the clock, establish Derrick Henry on the ground and avoid the costly mistakes that contributed to Sunday’s defeat.
Lamar Jackson’s availability will be a major storyline throughout the week. A healthy Jackson would substantially improve Baltimore’s chances of producing a more explosive offensive performance.
With home-field advantage and the urgency of avoiding consecutive divisional defeats, Baltimore gets the narrow edge.
The outlook: The Ravens survive a competitive divisional matchup and improve to 5-2.
Week 8: Baltimore Ravens at Buffalo Bills — November 1
Prediction: Bills win 30-24
Projected record: 5-3
Baltimore’s trip to Buffalo presents one of its toughest remaining regular-season challenges.
The Bills enter Week 7 at 5-1 after defeating the Las Vegas Raiders 33-30 on October 18.
Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen remains among the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat players, creating defensive challenges with his arm strength, mobility and ability to extend plays.
For Baltimore, controlling possession and preventing explosive plays will be essential.
The Ravens possess the offensive talent to compete with Buffalo, especially if Jackson returns healthy. However, winning on the road against a talented Bills team is a difficult assignment.
Buffalo’s offensive firepower and home-field advantage ultimately provide the difference.
The outlook: Baltimore suffers a competitive road defeat, falling to 5-3.
Week 9: Jacksonville Jaguars at Baltimore Ravens — November 5
Prediction: Ravens win 27-23
Projected record: 6-3
The Ravens return home for a Thursday night meeting with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The short turnaround following the Buffalo game creates additional challenges, particularly for a Baltimore team managing injuries and looking to establish greater offensive consistency.
Jacksonville demonstrated its offensive potential in a 34-31 loss to Houston on October 18. The Jaguars have enough talent to make this a competitive contest.
For Baltimore, the key will be controlling the line of scrimmage and forcing Jacksonville into difficult third-down situations.
Henry’s physical running style could prove particularly valuable during a short week when both teams have limited recovery time.
Baltimore’s home-field advantage should provide an important edge.
The outlook: The Ravens rebound with a hard-fought victory to improve to 6-3.
Week 10: Los Angeles Chargers at Baltimore Ravens — November 16
Prediction: Ravens win 28-17
Projected record: 7-3
Baltimore hosts the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football in what could become an important AFC playoff-positioning matchup.
The Ravens will benefit from additional preparation time after their November 5 meeting with Jacksonville.
Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert remains capable of producing explosive offensive performances, but Los Angeles has experienced difficulties generating consistent results.
The Chargers suffered a 22-6 defeat against Kansas City on October 18, highlighting some of their offensive challenges.
Baltimore should emphasize a balanced offensive attack, combining Henry’s rushing ability with Jackson’s potential to create opportunities outside the pocket.
Defensively, the Ravens must pressure Herbert and limit big plays.
If Baltimore executes efficiently, this matchup offers an opportunity to establish momentum heading into the final portion of November.
The outlook: Baltimore delivers one of its more convincing performances of the season and improves to 7-3.
Week 11: Baltimore Ravens at Carolina Panthers — November 22
Prediction: Ravens win 24-20
Projected record: 8-3
The Ravens travel to Charlotte for a potentially dangerous matchup against the Carolina Panthers.
This is the type of game that can easily become a trap for a playoff contender.
Carolina demonstrated its ability to produce an upset by defeating the Philadelphia Eagles 25-14 on October 18.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has the potential to challenge Baltimore’s defense, particularly if the Ravens fail to generate consistent pressure.
Baltimore must approach this contest with discipline, avoiding turnovers and controlling the clock.
Henry should play an important role in establishing offensive balance, while Baltimore’s defense must prevent Carolina from finding a rhythm.
Although the Panthers present a legitimate challenge, the Ravens have enough talent to secure a road victory.
The outlook: Baltimore escapes Charlotte with a narrow win, moving to 8-3.
Week 12: Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans — November 29
Prediction: Texans win 27-20
Projected record: 8-4
Baltimore’s final game before its bye week comes against the Houston Texans.
This matchup presents a serious challenge because of Houston’s offensive capabilities and the difficulty of winning on the road late in the season.
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud threw for 312 yards and three touchdowns in Houston’s 34-31 victory over Jacksonville on October 18.
Baltimore will need disciplined coverage and an effective pass rush to limit Houston’s passing attack.
The Ravens’ ability to control possession through Henry and the running game could determine whether they remain competitive throughout the fourth quarter.
However, Houston’s offensive potential makes this a difficult matchup, especially if Baltimore struggles to sustain drives.
The outlook: Houston hands Baltimore its fourth loss, sending the Ravens into their Week 13 bye at 8-4.
Week 13: Baltimore Ravens Bye Week — December 6
The Ravens receive their bye at an important point in the season.
After playing 12 games, Baltimore will have an opportunity to recover physically, evaluate its offensive performance and prepare for the final five contests.
The bye could prove particularly valuable for Jackson, Henry and other key contributors who will be carrying the physical burden of a long NFL season.
Just as importantly, Minter and his coaching staff will have additional time to address weaknesses exposed during the first three months.
At a projected 8-4, Baltimore would enter December with a strong opportunity to compete for a postseason berth.
However, four of its final five games would be against AFC North opponents, leaving little margin for error.
Week 14: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Baltimore Ravens — December 13
Prediction: Ravens win 27-20
Projected record: 9-4
Baltimore returns from its bye to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield gives Tampa Bay an experienced leader capable of challenging opposing defenses with aggressive downfield passing.
However, Baltimore’s additional preparation time and home-field advantage should create favorable conditions for the Ravens.
The offense must establish an effective rushing attack while avoiding the prolonged scoring droughts that have hurt Baltimore in previous games.
Defensively, forcing Tampa Bay into third-and-long situations will be a priority.
This game also represents an important opportunity to build momentum before three consecutive AFC North matchups conclude the regular season.
The outlook: Baltimore returns from the bye with a victory and improves to 9-4.
Week 15: Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers — December 20
Prediction: Steelers win 20-17
Projected record: 9-5
Few NFL rivalries are as physically demanding and unpredictable as Baltimore against Pittsburgh.
The Ravens travel to Acrisure Stadium for their first meeting with the Steelers this season.
Pittsburgh enters Week 7 at 4-2 after defeating Tampa Bay 26-19 in overtime, keeping the Steelers directly involved in the AFC North championship race.
With veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers leading Pittsburgh’s offense, Baltimore must avoid defensive breakdowns and eliminate unnecessary turnovers.
These divisional matchups are often decided by a handful of plays, and this contest figures to follow a similar pattern.
The Ravens will have opportunities to win, but Pittsburgh’s home-field advantage and the intensity of the rivalry make this one of Baltimore’s more difficult remaining assignments.
The outlook: Pittsburgh wins a defensive battle, dropping Baltimore to 9-5.
Week 16: Cleveland Browns at Baltimore Ravens — December 27
Prediction: Ravens win 23-16
Projected record: 10-5
The Ravens return home seeking revenge against the Cleveland Browns.
After losing 13-10 in Cleveland on October 18, Baltimore will have a clear opportunity to correct the mistakes that cost it an important divisional victory.
Cleveland’s defense demonstrated its ability to disrupt Baltimore’s offense in the first matchup.
Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson also made key plays late in that game, including a 33-yard completion to Jerry Jeudy that helped set up the winning field goal.
Baltimore must protect the football, capitalize on scoring opportunities and avoid another second-half collapse.
The Ravens should benefit from playing at M&T Bank Stadium, where crowd energy and familiar conditions could prove significant.
This matchup could also carry major implications for AFC North tiebreakers and playoff positioning.
The outlook: Baltimore responds with a disciplined defensive performance, defeating Cleveland and improving to 10-5.
Week 17: Baltimore Ravens at Cincinnati Bengals — December 31
Prediction: Bengals win 27-24
Projected record: 10-6
The Ravens close 2026 with a New Year’s Eve showdown against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Scheduled for Thursday night, this matchup could have significant consequences for both teams’ postseason aspirations.
Cincinnati’s offense, led by Burrow, presents a difficult challenge for any defense, especially when the Bengals establish momentum through their passing game.
Baltimore will need to limit explosive plays and create pressure without sacrificing coverage responsibilities.
The Ravens’ offensive success will depend heavily on Jackson’s health, Henry’s effectiveness and the offensive line’s ability to protect against pressure.
Given the rivalry and potential playoff implications, this game could remain competitive until the final possession.
Ultimately, Cincinnati’s home-field advantage gives the Bengals the narrow edge in our projection.
The outlook: Baltimore falls in a close divisional contest, dropping to 10-6.
Week 18: Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens — Date and Time to Be Announced
Prediction: Ravens win 26-20
Projected final record: 11-6
The Ravens conclude their regular season with what could become their most important game of the year.
Baltimore hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in a rivalry matchup that may carry enormous postseason implications.
Depending on the results throughout the AFC North, the contest could influence the division championship, wild-card seeding or home-field positioning in the playoffs.
The Ravens must approach this game with the urgency of a postseason matchup.
If Jackson is healthy and the running game remains productive, Baltimore should have the offensive versatility needed to challenge Pittsburgh’s defense.
Equally important, the Ravens must avoid the late-game mistakes that contributed to their earlier losses.
Playing in front of their home crowd, Baltimore should have an opportunity to finish the regular season on a positive note.
The outlook: The Ravens defeat Pittsburgh, finish 11-6 and strengthen their chances of reaching the AFC playoffs.
Baltimore Ravens 2026 Final Record Prediction: 11-6
The Ravens’ remaining schedule provides opportunities for success, but it leaves little room for complacency.
Our projections give Baltimore a 7-4 record over its final 11 games, bringing its regular-season record to 11-6.
Complete Remaining Schedule and Predictions
- Week 7, October 25: vs. Cincinnati Bengals — Win, 27-24
- Week 8, November 1: at Buffalo Bills — Loss, 24-30
- Week 9, November 5: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars — Win, 27-23
- Week 10, November 16: vs. Los Angeles Chargers — Win, 28-17
- Week 11, November 22: at Carolina Panthers — Win, 24-20
- Week 12, November 29: at Houston Texans — Loss, 20-27
- Week 13, December 6: Bye week
- Week 14, December 13: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Win, 27-20
- Week 15, December 20: at Pittsburgh Steelers — Loss, 17-20
- Week 16, December 27: vs. Cleveland Browns — Win, 23-16
- Week 17, December 31: at Cincinnati Bengals — Loss, 24-27
- Week 18, TBD: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers — Win, 26-20
Projected final record: 11 wins, 6 losses
Projected AFC North record: 3-3
Projected final 11 games: 7 wins, 4 losses
Three Factors That Will Determine Baltimore’s Fate
1. Lamar Jackson’s Health
No factor carries greater importance than the health of Baltimore’s franchise quarterback.
Jackson’s ankle injury has already forced him to miss consecutive games. While Huntley has demonstrated that he can lead the offense effectively at times, Jackson’s combination of passing ability and mobility gives Baltimore a different offensive dimension.
For the Ravens to maximize their playoff potential, they need Jackson healthy and capable of operating the offense at a high level.
2. Derrick Henry and the Running Game
Henry remains an important part of Baltimore’s offensive identity.
Establishing the run helps the Ravens control possession, limit opposing offensive opportunities and create favorable situations in the passing game.
However, ball security will be essential. Henry’s costly fumble against Cleveland demonstrated how quickly a single mistake can change the outcome of a close divisional game.
Baltimore needs physical, productive and disciplined performances from its rushing attack.
3. Winning Divisional Games
Perhaps the greatest challenge facing Baltimore is its remaining AFC North schedule.
The Ravens have five divisional games left: two against Cincinnati, two against Pittsburgh and one against Cleveland.
Because Baltimore has already lost to the Browns, its margin for error in the division is smaller.
Finishing 11-6 would put the Ravens in a competitive position, but it would not guarantee a division title or playoff berth. Those outcomes would depend on the records of other AFC teams and the applicable tiebreakers.
Baltimore must produce results against its direct rivals rather than relying on help elsewhere.
Final Verdict: Baltimore Has the Talent, but Execution Will Decide Everything
The Ravens are not facing a lost season.
At 4-2, Baltimore has already shown enough resilience and talent to remain a serious AFC playoff contender. The team has won difficult road games, demonstrated offensive potential and remained competitive while dealing with injuries.
But Sunday’s loss in Cleveland revealed weaknesses that cannot be ignored.
Baltimore cannot continue allowing turnovers, inconsistent offensive possessions and missed scoring opportunities to decide critical games.
The Ravens’ remaining schedule is demanding. Buffalo, Houston, Pittsburgh and Cincinnati each present legitimate challenges, while Cleveland and Jacksonville are capable of creating difficult matchups.
Even so, Baltimore has a realistic path to 11 victories if Jackson returns healthy, Henry remains productive and Minter’s defense continues to develop.
An 11-6 finish would represent a successful first regular season under Minter, particularly given the competitive nature of the AFC North.
Whether that record produces a division championship, a wild-card berth or a more difficult postseason scenario remains uncertain.
What is clear is that Baltimore’s season will be determined largely by how it performs within its own division.
Our final prediction: Baltimore finishes 11-6, stays in the thick of the AFC North race and puts itself in strong position to compete for a playoff berth.
The next 11 games will reveal whether the Ravens are simply a good football team or a genuine threat to make a deep postseason run.
For Baltimore, the road to January starts Sunday against Cincinnati.
Editor’s note: This editorial reflects confirmed NFL results, standings and scheduled games available as of Monday, October 19, 2026. All future game scores, projected standings and postseason assessments are editorial predictions, not confirmed outcomes.