Skip to main content
Come Fan with UsThursday, June 25, 2026

John Harbaugh says Ravens Week 9 game a ‘must-win’

John Harbaugh, head coach of the 5-2 Ravens, thinks his team’s game against the Browns on Sunday classifies as a “must-win.”

Bob Levey

Baltimore Ravens' head coach John Harbaugh has declared his team's game against the Cleveland Browns on Sunday as a "must-win" situation, says ESPN.com's Jamison Hensley.

Harbaugh's team has only lost two games this season, but one was a 43-13 shellacking at the hands of the Houston Texans on Oct. 21 in which the Ravens' defense allowed 420 total yards. It was an effort that has Harbaugh trying to stir up some urgency within his group before their Week 9 game:

“As far as I am concerned, it’s a must-win game. Obviously, we’ll have eight games after that game, so it won’t be the last game. In my mind, we need to win that game this week, and I know Cleveland feels the same way, and they are going to be all loaded up the same way. I am standing by my words – I want to win that game.”

Although the Ravens won four consecutive games prior to the disastrous performance in Houston, none of the victories came in convincing fashion. Each contest was settled by a touchdown or less, including the Ravens' 23-16 win over the Browns on Sep. 27. Quarterback Joe Flacco threw for 356 yards and accounted for two scores in the win.

Kickoff is slated for 1 p.m. ET on Sunday from Cleveland, Ohio. The game will be televised on CBS.

See More:

More in NFL

From SBNationExternal Link
Who wins the AFC South this season?Who wins the AFC South this season?
From SBNationExternal Link
By Mark Schofield
NFL
Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026Brendan Sorsby stuck as NFL announces NO Supplemental Draft in 2026
NFL

Another setback for the QB.

By James Dator
NFL
WNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in FriscoWNFC championship game airing Sunday, June 21st from Ford Center in Frisco
NFL

The Women’s National Football Conference Championship will air on ESPN2 this weekend.

By RJ Ochoa
NFL
Best bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the YearBest bets for 2026 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year
NFL

There are some good longer-shot options on offensive side of ball for the NFL’s Rookie of the Year.

By Bill Williamson
NFL
Brendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go inBrendan Sorsby is a rare chance to get a top QB cheap, and these teams should go in
NFL

This is a no-brainer for some NFL teams.

By James Dator
NFL
Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before himFernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him
NFL

Fernando Mendoza has great respect for the Raiders that came before him

By RJ Ochoa