In the Spotlight: Baltimore Ravens Look to Rebound Under Jesse Minter in 2026

The Baltimore Ravens enter 2026 with Super Bowl expectations despite coming off a disappointing 8-9 season that ended without a playoff appearance. Baltimore has made a major change at the top, replacing longtime head coach John Harbaugh with former Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Minter inherits a roster still built to contend immediately. Lamar Jackson remains one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks, Derrick Henry leads the running game and Zay Flowers and Mark Andrews provide established receiving options. Baltimore also addressed two problem areas from 2025 by adding help along the offensive line and upgrading its pass rush.

What to Watch

Jackson’s health will be critical after injuries limited him during the Ravens’ 2025 campaign. Baltimore went just 6-7 in games Jackson started, a major departure from the quarterback’s previous success. A healthy Jackson paired with Henry gives new offensive coordinator Declan Doyle one of the league’s most dangerous backfields. The pass rush should also receive considerable attention. Baltimore ranked 31st in sacks per pass attempt last season and responded by adding Trey Hendrickson, one of the offseason’s biggest acquisitions. The Ravens also drafted edge rusher Zion Young in the second round. Another major addition came in the first round with offensive lineman Olaivavega Ioane. Baltimore also brought back John Simpson and added Ethan Pocic as the team reshaped an offensive line that struggled to protect Jackson in 2025.

Betting Outlook

Sportsbooks like BetRivers and FanDuel expect a significant turnaround. DraftKings recently listed Baltimore as the -112 favorite to win the AFC North and +470 to win the AFC. The Ravens were also +1000 to win the Super Bowl, putting them among the shortest-priced championship contenders. Baltimore’s win total sits at 11.5, with Over +115 and Under -140 in the cited DraftKings market. The schedule offers opportunities early, but a late stretch featuring four consecutive AFC North games after a Week 13 bye could ultimately determine the division.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 8-9, second in AFC North.
• Key players to watch: Lamar Jackson, Derrick Henry, Zay Flowers, Mark Andrews, Roquan Smith, Kyle Hamilton and Trey Hendrickson.
• Expected starting QB: Lamar Jackson.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Trey Hendrickson, John Simpson, Ethan Pocic, Calais Campbell, Durham Smythe, Jaylinn Hawkins and first-round pick Olaivavega Ioane.
• Betting odds to win AFC North: -112 at DraftKings.
• Betting odds to win AFC: +470 at DraftKings.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +1000 at DraftKings.
• Win totals over/under: 11.5 wins; Over +115, Under -140.

2026-27 Baltimore Ravens Schedule

Baltimore’s schedule includes a Week 3 international matchup against Dallas at Maracanã Stadium in Rio de Janeiro and four scheduled primetime games.

Week	Date	Opponent	Location
1	Sept. 13	Indianapolis Colts	Away
2	Sept. 20	New Orleans Saints	Home
3	Sept. 27	Dallas Cowboys	Rio de Janeiro
4	Oct. 4	Tennessee Titans	Home
5	Oct. 11	Atlanta Falcons	Away
6	Oct. 18	Cleveland Browns	Away
7	Oct. 25	Cincinnati Bengals	Home
8	Nov. 1	Buffalo Bills	Away
9	Nov. 5	Jacksonville Jaguars	Home
10	Nov. 16	Los Angeles Chargers	Home
11	Nov. 22	Carolina Panthers	Away
12	Nov. 29	Houston Texans	Away
13	—	BYE	—
14	Dec. 13	Tampa Bay Buccaneers	Home
15	Dec. 20	Pittsburgh Steelers	Away
16	Dec. 27	Cleveland Browns	Home
17	Dec. 31	Cincinnati Bengals	Away
18	TBD	Pittsburgh Steelers	Home

The Ravens have the talent to quickly put last season behind them, but Minter’s ability to improve the defense and keep Jackson healthy will go a long way toward determining whether Baltimore can turn strong preseason expectations into a deep playoff run.