The Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs will kick off the 2024 NFL season on Thursday, September 5.
It'll be a primetime matchup and big test for the Ravens: a rematch of the 2023 AFC Championship and a battle against the reigning Super Bowl champions.
But who else might the Ravens play in primetime this season?
We can take a few guesses. In each of the last two seasons, the Ravens played four primetime games — that is Thursday, Sunday, or Monday Night games.
In 2022, they played the following teams in those primetime slots: Bengals, Buccaneers, Saints, Steelers.
In 2023, they played the Bengals, Chargers, Jaguars, and 49ers in primetime slots.
So, let's assume the Ravens once again play four primetime games in 2024.
One game has already been decided: the season-opener against the Chiefs.
Although we don't know the Ravens' exact 2024 schedule, we do know the Ravens opponents.
Home opponents: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals , Las Vegas Raiders, Denver Broncos, Buffalo Bills, Washington Commanders, Philadelphia Eagles
Away opponents: Pittsburgh Steelers, Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, New York Giants, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
In each of the last two seasons, the Ravens have had only one primetime game against a divisional rival. This year, the AFC North offers plenty of juice: the Bengals look to bounce back with a healthy Joe Burrow, the Browns hope to race into the playoffs with a healthier squad, and the Steelers made some big offseason moves with hopes of making it to the playoffs.
Since the Ravens and Steelers haven't played a primetime game in the last two seasons, our prediction is that they will this year. It's one of the most heated rivalries in all of football. The Steelers, with either Russell Wilson or Justin Fields at quarterback and with Mike Tomlin's seat getting just a little warm for the first time, will likely be a team of national interest this season. Let's pencil in the Steelers and Ravens for a primetime game.
In each of the last two seasons, the Ravens have played two primetime games against non-divisional foes.
One matchup seems obvious this year: the Harbaugh battle. With Jim Harbaugh taking over the Chargers and leading a rebuild, it seems likely that the NFL will want to show the two brothers facing off while giving the LA market some love.
That leaves one more potential primetime game and plenty of choices. First, let's cross two off the list.
Though the Eagles and Cowboys are buzzy, big-name teams who get lots of primetime games, both teams will also likely play divisional opponents or conference rivals in primetime slots. It's quite possible the Ravens play either of those teams in the 4pm ET slots, but maybe not in primetime.
The NFL occasionally likes to feature lesser-known teams primetime slots. So, for that reason, we're also going to predict that the NFL features a playoff rematch with an up-and-coming team: the Houston Texans. The Ravens beat the Texans 34-10 in the AFC Divisional Round last season, and many experts are predicting that Houston will make a leap this season.
So, here's one prediction for the Ravens' primetime games this season:
1. September 5: at Kansas City Chiefs
2. vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
3. at Los Angeles Chargers
4. at Houston Texans
