The 2026 NFL season is fast approaching, and the Baltimore Ravens have an intriguing schedule ahead of them. Here's a deep dive into the teams that will challenge the Ravens, with a focus on the key questions and potential storylines for each matchup.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are looking to turn things around after a disappointing 2025 season. With a new head coach in Shane Steichen and some key additions, the question is whether they can improve on their 8-9 record and make the playoffs. The biggest question mark is at quarterback, where Daniel Jones returns from an Achilles injury. The offense will rely on Jones, Jonathan Taylor, Alec Pierce, and Tyler Warren, who had a successful rookie season. The defense has some new faces, including Arden Key and Michael Clemons, but the unit needs to step up if the Colts are to make a push for the playoffs.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are in a state of transition, with a new head coach in Kellen Moore and a young quarterback in Tyler Shough. The team has added some weapons for Shough, including Travis Etienne and Jordyn Tyson, who was drafted in the first round. The biggest question is whether Shough can take the next step and lead the Saints to contention. The defense has some key departures, including Demario Davis and Alontae Taylor, but the team has added some depth with players like Kaden Elliss and Martin Emerson.
Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys had an impressive offense in 2025, but their defense was a major weakness. With a new defensive coordinator in Christian Parker, the team is looking to improve on their 7-9-1 record. The biggest question is whether the defense can step up and keep opponents in check. The offense will rely on Dak Prescott, Cee Dee Lamb, and George Pickens, while the defense has some new faces, including Rashan Gary and Cobie Durant.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans are in a state of flux, with a new head coach in Robert Saleh and a young quarterback in Cam Ward. The team has added some weapons for Ward, including Carnell Tate and Wan'Dale Robinson. The biggest question is whether Ward can take the next step and lead the Titans to success. The defense has some key additions, including John Franklin-Myers and Jermaine Johnson II, but the team will need to find consistency if they are to improve on their 3-14 record.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons are in a state of transition, with a new head coach in Kevin Stefanski and a new quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa. The team has added some key players, including Azeez Ojulari and Brian Robinson Jr., but the biggest question is whether Tagovailoa can stay healthy and perform at a high level. The defense has some new faces, including Samson Ebukam and Azeez Ojulari, but the team will need to find consistency if they are to improve on their 8-9 record.
Cleveland Browns
The Browns are in a state of flux, with a new head coach in Todd Monken and a new defensive coordinator in Mike Rutenberg. The team has added some key players, including Jared Verse and Quincy Williams, but the biggest question is whether Monken can find a consistent quarterback. The defense has some key departures, including Myles Garrett and Jim Schwartz, but the team has added some depth with players like Elgton Jenkins and Myles Bryant.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals are looking to improve on their 6-11 record and make the playoffs. The team has added some key players, including Dexter Lawrence and Boye Mafe, but the biggest question is whether the defense can step up and stop holding the team back. The offense will rely on Joe Burrow, Ja'Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins, while the defense has some new faces, including Cashius Howell and Bryan Cook.
Buffalo Bills
The Bills are looking to improve on their 12-5 record and make a deep playoff run. The team has added some key players, including DJ Moore and Bradley Chubb, but the biggest question is whether the change at head coach from Sean McDermott to Joe Brady will help put the team over the top. The offense will rely on Josh Allen, while the defense has some new faces, including TJ Parker and Davidson Igbinosun.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars are looking to repeat as AFC South champions. The team has added some key players, including Chris Rodriguez Jr. and Ruke Orhorhoro, but the biggest question is how they will fill the void left by Travis Etienne's departure. The offense will rely on Trevor Lawrence, while the defense has some new faces, including Dane Jackson and Ruke Orhorhoro.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers are looking to improve on their 11-6 record and make the playoffs. The team has added some key players, including Charlie Kolar and Keaton Mitchell, but the biggest question is whether new offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel can unlock all the tools in Justin Herbert's box. The defense has some new faces, including Akheem Mesidor and Dalvin Tomlinson.
Carolina Panthers
The Panthers are looking to build on their 8-9 record and make the playoffs. The team has added some key players, including Jaelen Phillips and Devin Lloyd, but the biggest question is whether Bryce Young can solidify his place as the franchise quarterback. The offense will rely on Young, while the defense has some new faces, including Jaelen Phillips and Devin Lloyd.
Houston Texans
The Texans are looking to improve on their 12-5 record and make the playoffs. The team has added some key players, including Reed Blakenship and Kayden McDonald, but the biggest question is whether C.J. Stroud can get over his 2025 season and return to prominence. The defense has some key additions, including Logan Hall and Marty Mapu.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are looking to improve on their 8-9 record and make the playoffs. The team has added some key players, including Rueben Bain Jr. and Alex Anzalone, but the biggest question is whether shaking up the offensive coaching staff and parting with Mike Evans will lead to offensive improvement. The offense will rely on Baker Mayfield, while the defense has some new faces, including Al-Quadin Muhammad and Miles Killebrew.
Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers are looking to improve on their 9-8 record and make the playoffs. The team has added some key players, including Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker, but the biggest question is whether Aaron Rodgers can recapture the magic he had in Green Bay. The offense will rely on Rodgers, while the defense has some new faces, including Jamel Dean and Jaquan Brisker.
