Here is some immediate, early reaction to the slate of games facing the Ravens this upcoming season.

Week 1 – @ Denver Broncos (Thurs. night) – Worst kept secret in the NFL offseason. We might learn a lot about the new look Ravens, right off the bat. Good news is they have all of training camp to prepare for this tough week 1 battle. Also might get an answer to the question, was Wes Welker good, or a product of the Patriots system? Sub-freezing temperatures won’t be a factor, so expect Peyton Manning to be on his A-game.
 
Week 2 – vs. Cleveland Browns – A home opener that will be  a day to remember. The Lombardi trophy on hand, the title banner unveiled, players should receive their rings. Paul Kruger makes his return as well. 
 
Week 3 – vs. Houston Texans – Welcome home to Ed Reed. You have to think  the Ray Lewis will go into the ring of honor this season. If they don’t tie it in with the championship celebration, it would be wise to induct him this week. Take the focus off of Ed Reed, the enemy for that week.
 
Week 4 – @ Buffalo Bills – No such thing as a gimmie in the NFL. We’ll see if the Ravens can take their A-game on the road, where they struggled the last couple seasons.  A very winnable game.
 
Week 5 – @ Miami Dolphins – We’ll know by this week if all of that big money Miami spent has paid off. We’ll get to see Dannell Ellerbe as well. 
 
Week 6 – vs. Green Bay Packers – Aaron Rodgers makes his first trip to Baltimore. A rare marquee non-conference matchup.
 
Week 7 – @ Pittsburgh Steelers – What else can you say. It’s the Steelers.
 
Week 8 – Bye Week – A likely much needed one after what is always a knock down drag out war with Pittsburgh. 
 
Week 9 – @ Cleveland Browns – The Ravens excel after the bye week. Can’t think of a better team to keep that trend going against.
 
Week 10 – vs. Cincinnati Bengals – The Bengals are an underwhelming early favorite in the division after the Ravens cleaned house, and the Steelers have done little to improve after missing the playoffs. We’ll have a good idea  if the experts were right this late into the season.
 
Week 11 – @ Chicago Bears – Da Bears. That’s about it. Chicago is a great town for any travelers out there. Awesome people, good eats, great sights to see. Lots of football history there as well. I’m circling this one as my road trip game of the year. 
 
Week 12 – vs. New York Jets – Careful. This is the proverbial trap game. Easy to look past the hapless Jets with the Steelers coming to town on a short week.
 
Week 13 – vs. Pittstburgh Steelers (Thankgiving night) – Football on Thanksgiving is as much a tradition as turkey and family gatherings are. Was able to attend the Ravens game two seasons ago when the Harbaugh’s matched up on Thanksgiving. The tailgating was fantastic, with all the turkey day spreads. I love that the Ravens get this game. 
 
Week 14 – vs. Minnesota Vikings – Three straight home games in the home stretch of the season? The NFL did us a favor there. Again, an extended week off after the always bruising matchup with Pittsburgh. Extra time to prepare for Adrian Peterson, the toughest test the upgraded run defense will face.
 
Week 15 – @ Detroit Lions (Monday Night Football) – Going from the games best RB, to the games best WR in Calvin Johnson in back to back weeks. Defense will be tested once again.
 
Week 16 – vs. New England Patriots (Sunday Night Football) – This game could have huge playoff implications on the line. Assuming that the Pats will be in the race, and hoping the Ravens will be as well, a first round bye, or home field through out could be at stake. 
 
Week 17 – @ Cincinnati Bengals – Is anyone else tired of closing the regular season out with these guys. Third season in a row we close on the road in Cincy. 
Mike Randall
Mike Randall

Ravens Analyst

Mike was born on the Eastern Shore, raised in Finksburg, and currently resides in Parkville. In 2009, Mike graduated from the Broadcasting Institute of Maryland. Mike became a Baltimore City Fire Fighter in late 2010. Mike has appeared as a guest on Q1370, and FOX45. Now a Sr. Ravens Analyst for BSL, he can be reached at [email protected].

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