5 NFL teams that must win in Week 1

4. Baltimore Ravens

Even though head coach John Harbaugh signed a contract through the 2019 season, the seat is warm in Baltimore. A team that had success early in Harbaugh’s career has struggled as of recent. They’ve missed the playoffs three out of the last four seasons and can’t have that happen again.

Their Week 1 matchup comes against a divisional foe in the Cincinnati Bengals. The Bengals have gotten the better half of the Ravens winning the six of the last seven meetings. As good as Joe Flacco has played in the division over the course of his career, the Bengals have always seemed to be a thorn in his side.

For the Ravens, it’s about taking advantage of a manageable schedule in the first half of the season, especially in divisional games. They haven’t won the AFC North since 2012 and it doesn’t look likely this season. The Steelers are loaded with talent and will likely repeat as division champs. This mean the Ravens best route to the playoffs comes through a Wild Card spot. Like we saw last season, the difference between making the playoffs can come down to just one game.

John Harbaugh’s squad cannot afford to start the season off on the wrong foot. Not only does it put them behind statistically, but from a mental standpoint it’s crushing. A win against the Bengals sends the Ravens confident into Week 2 against a struggling Browns team.