AFC North Lead Contested by the Baltimore Ravens

The AFC North has long been one of the NFL’s most competitive divisions, and this season is no exception—with the Baltimore Ravens emerging as a fierce contender for the top spot. After a slow start that saw them drop early games to divisional rivals, the Ravens have rallied in the final months, using a revamped offense and a stingy defense to close the gap on the Cincinnati Bengals and Cleveland Browns. What began as a lopsided divisional race has turned into a three-team battle, with each win and loss shifting the hierarchy. As the regular season winds down, the Ravens are not just playing for a playoff spot—they’re fighting to claim the AFC North title, a prize that would secure a higher playoff seed and home-field advantage in the first round. AFC North Lead Contested by the Baltimore Ravens explores the dynamics of this tight race, the key matchups that have shaped it, and why the Ravens’ late-season surge has made them a serious threat to win the division.

The Ravens’ path to contesting the AFC North lead began with a critical Week 16 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers—a divisional rival that had beaten them earlier in the season. In that game, the Ravens’ offense, led by Derrick Henry’s 117 rushing yards and Lamar Jackson’s 185 passing yards, dominated the Steelers’ defense, while the defense held Pittsburgh to just 17 points and forced two turnovers. This win was a turning point: it not only improved the Ravens’ divisional record to 2-3 but also gave them momentum heading into a Week 17 showdown with the Bengals, who were leading the AFC North at the time. “Beating the Steelers was about more than just one win—it was about proving we could compete with the best in our division,” Jackson said after the game. The Ravens’ success in this game also highlighted their improved balance: after months of criticism for being too pass-heavy, offensive coordinator Todd Monken leaned into the run game, which opened up play-action passes and kept the Steelers off-balance. This shift in strategy would prove crucial in the Ravens’ quest to contest the division lead. AFC North Lead Contested by the Baltimore Ravens emphasizes that this win over the Steelers was the spark the Ravens needed to turn their divisional fortunes around.

A key factor in the Ravens’ ability to contest the AFC North lead has been their defense’s late-season resurgence. After struggling with consistency earlier in the season, the Ravens’ defense has tightened up in recent weeks, thanks in large part to veteran leaders like Jeffery Simmons and Roquan Smith. In their last four games, the defense has allowed an average of just 18 points per game—down from 24 points per game in their first 12 games. Against the Browns in Week 10 (a game the Ravens lost 33-31), the defense gave up 33 points and 121 rushing yards to Nick Chubb. But in their Week 17 rematch, the defense held the Browns to 20 points and limited Chubb to 68 rushing yards, securing a 27-20 win that kept their division hopes alive. “We’ve been focusing on discipline and fundamentals,” Simmons said. “Earlier in the season, we were making too many mistakes—missed tackles, blown coverages. Now, we’re playing like a unit.” This defensive improvement has been critical because the AFC North is a run-heavy division: the Bengals, Browns, and Steelers all rank in the top 12 in rushing yards per game. By shutting down opposing run games, the Ravens have neutralized a key strength of their divisional rivals. AFC North Lead Contested by the Baltimore Ravens highlights that the Ravens’ defensive resurgence has been just as important as their offensive adjustments in contesting the division lead.

The Baltimore Ravens’ contest for the AFC North lead has also been shaped by their ability to win close games—a skill they lacked earlier in the season. In their first six divisional games, the Ravens lost three games by four points or fewer, including a heartbreaking 24-17 loss to the Bengals in Week 15. But in their last two divisional games (against the Steelers and Browns), they won by a combined 10 points, showing a newfound ability to close out tight contests. Against the Browns in Week 17, the Ravens trailed 20-17 with less than five minutes left in the game. But Jackson led a 75-yard touchdown drive, connecting with Mark Andrews for a 10-yard score with 1:30 left to secure the win. “Earlier in the season, we would have folded in that situation,” said safety Kevin Byard. “Now, we believe we can win no matter how tight the game is.” This ability to win close games is essential in the AFC North, where most matchups are decided by a single score. For the Baltimore Ravens, this newfound clutch gene has made them a more dangerous contender—one that can’t be counted out in the final minutes of a game. AFC North Lead Contested by the Baltimore Ravens shows that the Baltimore Ravens’ improvement in close games has been a key factor in their rise up the divisional standings.

Another reason the Baltimore Ravens have been able to contest the AFC North lead is their depth—especially on offense. Earlier in the season, the Ravens relied too heavily on Jackson and Henry, leaving other playmakers like Zay Flowers and Rasheen Ali underutilized. But in recent weeks, offensive coordinator Todd Monken has spread the ball around more, giving the Ravens a more balanced and unpredictable attack. Against the Bengals in Week 17, Flowers caught 5 passes for 72 yards, Ali rushed for 45 yards and a touchdown, and Andrews added 6 catches for 85 yards. This depth has made it harder for divisional defenses to focus on stopping just one or two players. “When you have multiple playmakers, it’s impossible to key in on one person,” Monken said. “That’s the advantage we have now—we can beat you in a lot of different ways.” This depth has also helped the Ravens stay competitive when key players are injured: when Henry missed a game with a minor knee injury, Ali stepped in and rushed for 78 yards, keeping the offense on track. For the Baltimore Ravens, this depth has been a secret weapon in their quest for the AFC North lead—one that has set them apart from their divisional rivals, who have struggled with injuries and inconsistent play from role players. AFC North Lead Contested by the Baltimore Ravens underscores that the Baltimore Ravens’ offensive depth has been a crucial asset in their divisional push.

As the regular season comes to an end, the Baltimore Ravens find themselves just one game behind the Bengals for the AFC North lead—with a chance to win the division if the Bengals lose their final game and the Ravens win theirs. Even if they don’t claim the top spot, the Ravens have already secured a wild-card spot, but winning the division remains their top priority. A division title would give them a higher playoff seed, home-field advantage in the first round, and a better chance to avoid top AFC contenders like the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills until later in the playoffs. “Winning the AFC North isn’t just about pride—it’s about giving ourselves the best chance to win the Super Bowl,” Jackson said. The Ravens’ players and coaches know that the divisional race isn’t over yet—and they’re ready to fight until the final whistle. For the Baltimore Ravens, contesting the AFC North lead has been a season-long journey filled with ups and downs, but their late-season surge has proven that they’re a force to be reckoned with. AFC North Lead Contested by the Baltimore Ravens concludes that the Baltimore Ravens have emerged as serious contenders for the AFC North title, thanks to their improved offense, resurgent defense, ability to win close games, and deep roster. Whether they win the division or not, their late-season push has shown that they’re a team capable of making a deep playoff run—and that the AFC North race will be remembered as one of the most exciting in recent NFL history.