The Baltimore Ravens are staring down one of the NFL’s toughest slates in 2026-and it’s not just because of who they’re playing. A second-place finish in the AFC North has landed Jesse Minter’s squad a middle-tier schedule on paper, but the matchups tell a different story.
They’ll be running the gauntlet against teams from the NFC South and AFC South, plus second-place finishers from the AFC West, NFC East, and AFC East. That’s a lot of talent, a lot of travel, and very little room for error.
But the most intriguing wrinkle? A potential trip to Rio de Janeiro.
The NFL made headlines by announcing that the Dallas Cowboys will be one of the teams playing in the league’s first-ever regular-season game in Brazil, set for the iconic Maracanã Stadium. The opponent hasn’t been revealed yet, but Baltimore is one of the prime candidates. Thanks to their second-place finish and upcoming road schedule-which includes nine away games in 2026-the Ravens are in the mix to face Dallas on international turf.
If that happens, we’re talking about a marquee matchup with global appeal: Lamar Jackson vs. Dak Prescott.
Two dynamic quarterbacks, both former Pro Bowlers, both capable of lighting up a defense in very different ways. Add in the big-name talent on both rosters-think playmakers on both sides of the ball-and you’ve got a game that could be as much about spectacle as it is about standings.
And make no mistake: this game would be historic. The Rio matchup is part of a record-setting year for the NFL, with nine international games scheduled across four continents, seven countries, and eight stadiums in 2026. That’s a massive leap forward for the league’s global ambitions, and Brazil is front and center in that push.
“We are proud to welcome the Dallas Cowboys to Brazil for the first‑ever NFL game in Rio de Janeiro,” said NFL Brazil General Manager Luis Martinez. “Introducing one of the league’s most iconic teams to the Maracanã Stadium marks a powerful milestone in the continued growth of the sport worldwide.”
The NFL isn’t just dipping its toes into the Brazilian market-it’s diving in. Brazil is home to more than 36 million NFL fans, and the league has committed to bringing at least three regular-season games to Rio over the next five years. This isn’t a one-off showcase; it’s a long-term investment in a country that’s already shown serious passion for the sport.
While we’ll have to wait for the official announcement of the Cowboys’ opponent, the possibility of a Ravens-Cowboys clash in Rio is juicy. Two high-profile teams, two elite quarterbacks, and one of the most famous stadiums in the world? That’s not just a game-it’s an event.
For now, fans can keep an eye on nfl.com/Rio for updates on the date, time, and ticket info. But if Baltimore does get the call, don’t be surprised if this one ends up being one of the most talked-about games of the 2026 season.