Baltimore Ravens 2019 opponents include the AFC East & NFC West

Early predictions?

With the 2018 season in the books, our eyes turn to 2019 in anticipation of a new season. The opponents and the home/away matchups are decided. All that is left is the full 17-week schedule. For now, though, we can talk about these opponents and their current success.

2019 Home games

• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• New England Patriots
• New York Jets
• Arizona Cardinals
• San Francisco 49ers
• Houston Texans

Only two of these teams eclipsed a berth in the 2018 NFL playoffs (Patriots, Texans). A lot changes in a year (ask the Packers, Jaguars or the Browns), but this is a solid slate.

Assumed toughest matchups:

Browns — They proved to be a real team this year. They sent Hue Jackson packing and went from 2-5-1 to 7-8-1. The three losses post-firing only came from from three playoff teams (Chiefs, Texans, Ravens), meaning they competed well. Baker Mayfield is a solid signal caller and their cap situation sets them up brilliantly for the next three-to-five years.

Patriots — If Tom Brady, Bill Belichick or both retire, this becomes void, but I don’t see the nightmare ending anytime soon in the AFC East.

Texans — A defense featuring J.J. Watt and Jadeveon Clowney against this offensive line will not be enjoyable. On the other end, DeAndre Hopkins and Deshaun Watson will challenge the secondary frequently and often. I look forward to this game as it will be a great test for the secondary in 2019.

2019 Away Games

• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Cincinnati Bengals
• Cleveland Browns
• Buffalo Bills
• Miami Dolphins
• Los Angeles Rams
• Seattle Seahawks
• Kansas City Chiefs

While the home games featured only two playoff teams, the away games feature three (Seahawks, Chiefs, Rams). Not ideal. . .

Assumed toughest matchups

• Kansas City Chiefs — They won the AFC in 2018 and Patrick Mahomes diced up the Ravens and their number one defense. If they can’t get a him figured out, the Ravens can mark this up as a loss. It doesn’t help that this game is in Arrowhead, either.
• Seattle Seahawks — Speaking of traveling and playing in tough stadiums, the Ravens are scheduled to face Russell Wilson on his home turf, too. This schedule is real deal.
• Los Angeles Rams — Another west coast battle featuring a 2018 playoff team. Aaron Donald is going to eviscerate this offensive line. I mean, there isn’t a player in this league that can truly stop him; He’s generational. Also, Sean McVay and his high-flying offense will be a battle. I can’t wait to watch Lamar Jackson go toe-to-toe with his own set of weapons.

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