History
The Ravens lead the all-time regular season series, 9-2. Baltimore last faced the Jets in 2019, when Lamar Jackson broke the all-time single-season rushing record for a quarterback and threw five touchdowns in a 42-21 rout. The Ravens and Jets last met in Week 1 in 2010, when Baltimore prevailed in a defensive slugfest, 10-9, in the Jets' first game at MetLife Stadium.
Stakes
Baltimore lost on the road to open last season, falling to the Las Vegas Raiders in overtime. The Ravens want to avoid that kind of start this time around, facing a Jets squad that finished with just four wins a year ago. Meanwhile, the Jets are looking to show they have the pieces for a resurgent season.
Key Storylines
How will Lamar Jackson perform?
It will be the first game back for a number of Ravens players that either missed all of last season or ended it on the shelf, including quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson didn't see any preseason action, and he's surely itching to play after the way last year ended. He sparkled in practice. Now how dynamic will he look in game action?
Which injured returners play and how much?
The Ravens have left tackle Ronnie Stanley, running back J.K. Dobbins and cornerback Marcus Peters returning from season-ending injuries. It remains to be seen if they all suit up and, if so, how much they each play. Does Baltimore ease them back into action slowly?
How will the new-look defense fare?
Baltimore spent a lot of resources to upgrade the defense this year under first-year Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald. It will be the debut of free-agent safety Marcus Williams. First-round safety Kyle Hamilton could also suit up after returning to practice this week. The Jets have a talented receiver trio in Elijah Moore, Corey Davis and Garrett Wilson.
Lamar Jackson is back on the field. Safety Marcus Williams and Tyler Linderbaum make their debuts. Two key second-year Ravens are looking to start hot.
QB Lamar Jackson
Jackson will play in a game for the first time since his ankle injury last season. Jackson didn't see any preseason action, so he's itching to get on the field. It will be interesting to see how his added passing velocity and weight impact his game. Jackson was lights out in training camp. Now he gets to show the country, which has been more concerned with talking about his contract, that Jackson is ready for a big Year 5 on the field.
S Marcus Williams
The Ravens' new free safety will make his debut. Williams was brought in to make plays and he'll have his opportunity against Joe Flacco and the Jets. New York has a dangerous wide receiver trio with Elijah Moore, Corey Davis and Garrett Wilson and Flacco has the arm to challenge the Ravens' deep coverage. Williams will be looking for opportunities to get his hands on the ball.
C Tyler Linderbaum
Linderbaum will be the Ravens' starting center from the jump and will get a stiff first test. The first-round rookie will go against defensive tackle Quinnen Williams – a 6-foot-3, 303-pound former No. 3-overall pick. Linderbaum can quiet concerns about his ability to hold up against big-bodied NFL defensive linemen. MetLife Stadium will also be raucous, especially for Week 1, so Linderbaum's communication and snapping will be key.
WR Rashod Bateman
Bateman said he was never at full strength last season as a rookie. Now he's a critical player for the Ravens in his second year as the leader of the wide receiver corps. Bateman has been a consistent practice player this summer and sharpened his game. He'll go against first-round rookie Sauce Gardner out of the gate, which should be a good measuring stick for the Ravens wideout.
OLB Odafe Oweh
There's a lot of hype around Oweh heading into the 2022 season after a dominant training camp. He came flying out of the gates last year, notching his first sack in his first NFL game. Oweh could get off to a fast start against the Jets, who are thin at offensive tackle following injuries and have 37-year-old pocket passer Flacco under center.
Top Matchup
WR Rashod Bateman vs. CB Sauce Gardner
Bateman is looking to get off to a hot start as the leader of the Ravens wide receiver corps. He's healthy and coming off a strong training camp. He'll have a good test against Jets rookie Sauce Gardner, the fourth-overall pick in this year's draft. Gardner is a 6-foot-3 press cornerback who likes to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage. Bateman prides himself on his shifty releases.
