Three under the radar 2017 matchups for the Ravens

Now that NFL mini camps are officially wrapped and we have a few weeks to go until training camp begins, we as fans have some time on our collective hands to begin assessing what the upcoming season could look like. One way to do so is to pore over the schedule, and while many a Ravens fan has the games against Pittsburgh and Cincinnatti already circled, here are a few lesser hyped matchups to get ready for this fall and winter:

Ravens at Raiders, October 8th

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This is a matchup that will serve as one of the first truly big tests for Baltimore in 2017. They’re going across the country to play a Raiders team led by a quarterback who has broken the Ravens’ heart late in games in two consecutive seasons, and will look to do so a third time in a row. The Ravens new look defense will be tested by the likes of Derek Carr, Amari Cooper, and Michael Crabtree, a trio that proved to be one of the most electric in the league last season. This late afternoon matchup will likely prove to be an exciting one, and don’t be surprised to see it (again) come down to the last drive.

Ravens at Packers, November 19th

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These two teams only meet up once every four years, meaning this will be the first time in eight years Baltimore makes the trip to historic Lambeau field. It seems like every single year, a Packers team gets hot late thanks to Aaron Rodgers elevating his already great play, meaning this would be around that time for the 2017 season. Fans should beware what the bad man is capable of, especially on his home turf.

Colts at Ravens, December 23rd

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If the Colts are to have the bounce back year that they desperately need, then this game could have serious playoff implications. Expect the defense to be tested by Andrew Luck, and hope that offense will be able to find it’s form in this game as the postseason will be right around the corner.