When do the Baltimore Ravens play next? What to know about NFL playoff schedule for team

The Baltimore Ravens, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, have a rich history of playoff success and standout players. As of the latest NFL season, fans are eager to know when the Ravens’ next game is and what the upcoming NFL playoff schedule looks like. This comprehensive guide explores the Ravens’ upcoming game, the structure of the NFL playoffs, key matchups, historical context, and everything fans need to understand about the postseason.

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### When Do the Baltimore Ravens Play Next?

**Current Season Context:**

Depending on the NFL season, the Ravens’ next game is determined by the weekly schedule. For the 2023 NFL season, the regular season concluded in early January, and the playoffs began shortly thereafter. If you’re referring to the NFL postseason, the Ravens are either preparing for a playoff game or planning for the next season.

**Upcoming Schedule (Assuming Postseason):**

– **Playoff Qualification:** The Ravens secured a playoff spot as a Wild Card team, winning their division or earning a wild card berth, depending on the season’s standings.

– **Next Game Date:** For the 2023 NFL playoffs, their next game is scheduled for **Saturday, January 13, 2024**, or **Sunday, January 14, 2024**, depending on the bracket and seeding. The exact date and time are announced by the NFL after the completion of the regular season.

– **Opponent:** The opponent is determined by the playoff bracket. The Ravens could face divisional rivals like the Cincinnati Bengals or the Cleveland Browns, or a Wild Card opponent from another division, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars or Buffalo Bills, depending on seeding.

– **Location:** The game location is assigned based on seeding—higher-seeded teams host the playoff game. The Ravens’ opponent and seeding determine whether they play at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore or on the road.

**For precise, up-to-date scheduling:**

– **Visit the NFL official site** or the Ravens’ official website.
– **Check sports news outlets** like ESPN or CBS Sports.
– **NFL mobile apps** provide real-time updates and exact game times.

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### The NFL Playoff Schedule: Everything to Know

**Overview:**

The NFL postseason is one of the most exciting and widely followed sporting events in the United States. It features a knockout format where 14 teams (as of recent seasons) compete for the ultimate prize—the Vince Lombardi Trophy awarded to the Super Bowl champion.

**Historical Context:**

– **Origins:** The NFL playoffs date back to the 1930s, evolving from the early NFL Championship Game to the current structured tournament.
– **Expansion:** The playoff format has expanded over decades, with the current structure involving 7 teams from each conference (AFC and NFC), making 14 teams in total.

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### NFL Playoff Format (2024-2025 Season)

**Number of Teams:**
– 7 teams from each conference (AFC and NFC), totaling 14 teams.

**Seeding & Structure:**

– The **top seed** in each conference earns a **bye** in the first round.
– The **remaining six teams** in each conference compete in the **Wild Card Round**—the first playoff round.
– The winners advance to the **Divisional Round**, where they face the top seed and other winners.
– Winners of the Divisional Round proceed to the **Conference Championships**.
– The conference champions face off in the **Super Bowl** in a neutral location, determined annually.

**Seeding Tiebreakers:**

– Seeding is based on overall records, with tiebreakers including head-to-head results, division records, conference records, and strength of schedule.

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### NFL Playoff Rounds Explained

**1. Wild Card Round:**

– **Matchups:** The 2nd seed hosts the 7th seed, 3rd hosts 6th, and 4th hosts 5th in each conference.
– **Format:** Single-elimination—losers are out.
– **Significance:** An opportunity for lower-seeded teams to advance and cause upsets.

**2. Divisional Round:**

– **Matchups:** The top seed hosts the lowest remaining seed, and the other two winners face each other at the higher seed’s location.
– **Notable:** The best teams get home-field advantage, which can influence outcomes.

**3. Conference Championships:**

– **Matchups:** The winners of the Divisional Round face off to determine the AFC and NFC champions.
– **Location:** The game is hosted by the higher seed.

**4. Super Bowl:**

– **Event:** The AFC and NFC champions meet in the Super Bowl to crown the NFL champion.
– **Location:** The Super Bowl is held in a predetermined neutral site, often in a warm-weather city or domed stadium.

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### Key Dates for the 2024-2025 NFL Playoffs

– **Wild Card Weekend:** January 13-14, 2024
– **Divisional Round:** January 20-21, 2024
– **AFC/NFC Championship Games:** January 28, 2024
– **Super Bowl LVIII:** February 11, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas

*(Note: Dates may vary slightly based on scheduling adjustments.)*

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### Notable Matchups & Storylines

**Historic Rivalries:**

– The AFC North, where the Ravens reside, features intense rivalries with teams like the Bengals, Steelers, and Browns. Matchups in the playoffs often carry added significance.

**Emerging Contenders:**

– The AFC has seen rise of teams like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and Buffalo Bills—challengers to traditional powers.

**Super Bowl Favorites:**

– The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, remain perennial favorites, along with other AFC contenders like the Bills and Bengals.

**Upset Potential:**

– The single-elimination format allows for surprises—lower seeds often pull off upsets, creating memorable playoff moments.

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### What Fans Should Know About the NFL Playoffs

**1. Home-Field Advantage:**

– Higher seeds host games, which can be crucial due to crowd support and familiar conditions.

**2. The Importance of Seeding:**

– Securing the top seed means a bye and easier path, but underdogs often thrive in knockout environments.

**3. Key Players & Injuries:**

– Star players’ health impacts outcomes. Watch for injury reports and player availability.

**4. The “Hot Team” Phenomenon:**

– Momentum and form matter—teams peaking at the right time often make deep runs.

**5. Super Bowl Location & Atmosphere:**

– The Super Bowl is a global event, with elaborate halftime shows, commercials, and a festive atmosphere.

**6. The Impact of Coaching & Experience:**

– Experienced coaches and playoff veterans often excel in high-pressure situations.

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### Historical Highlights & Memorable Moments

– **The Tuck Rule Game (2002):** Patriots’ controversial win over the Raiders in the AFC Divisional Round.
– **The “Ice Bowl” (1967):** NFC Championship between the Cowboys and Packers in frigid conditions.
– **Super Bowl LI (2017):** Patriots’ historic comeback against the Falcons.
– **The “Music City Miracle” (2000):** Titans’ miraculous kickoff return in the AFC Wild Card game.

– Ray Lewis’ leadership
– Joe Flacco’s MVP run (Super Bowl XLVII)
– Lamar Jackson’s dynamic playmaking

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### How to Follow the NFL Playoffs

– **TV Broadcasts:** Networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and ABC cover playoff games.
– **Streaming Options:** NFL Game Pass, Yahoo Sports, and streaming services offer live coverage.
– **Social Media:** Follow NFL and team accounts for real-time updates, highlights, and analysis.
– **Fantasy Football:** Playoff fantasy leagues can add excitement.

Whether you’re a Ravens fan eager to see when your team plays next or a football enthusiast wanting to understand the nuances of the NFL postseason, this guide offers a comprehensive overview. The NFL playoffs are a showcase of talent, drama, and history—the culmination of a grueling season where every game counts. The Ravens, with their rich playoff tradition, aim to add another chapter to their legacy, starting with their next game at the appropriate time in the postseason. Stay tuned to official sources for exact dates, kickoff times, and matchup details as the postseason unfolds.