Hotels for New Orleans Saints at Baltimore Ravens

An early-season NFC-AFC matchup that draws travelling fans from both cities into a shared tailgate scene hours before kickoff. This stage of the schedule still carries plenty of unknowns about form, so both sides arrive with something to prove rather than settled expectations. Expect a stadium that fills early and stays loud for a full four quarters.

The Ravens began play in 1996 after Cleveland's original Browns franchise relocated to Baltimore, though by league agreement the Browns' name, colours and history stayed in Cleveland, leaving Baltimore to start fresh. The new team's name was chosen by fan vote in honour of Edgar Allan Poe, who wrote 'The Raven' while living in the city.

Baltimore has won two Super Bowls, in the 2000 and 2012 seasons, the first built on a defense many regard as one of the best in NFL history. Ray Lewis anchored that unit and became the face of the franchise for well over a decade, and the Ravens' rivalry with the Steelers is known as one of the league's most physical.

Home to the Baltimore Ravens, M&T Bank Stadium anchors the city's Inner Harbor sports complex beside Camden Yards, in a revitalised stretch close to the waterfront. The National Aquarium and the lively Federal Hill neighbourhood are within easy reach. The Light Rail stops nearby, and the Charm City Circulator and MARC train serve the area. Booking a room near the Inner Harbor keeps Baltimore's restaurants, waterfront and transport links on the doorstep before and after the game.