AFC North Dominance Sought Aggressively by the Baltimore Ravens

For the Baltimore Ravens, AFC North dominance isn’t just a goal—it’s a mandate. Year after year, the division’s physicality, rivalries, and high stakes demand an aggressive approach, and in 2024, the Ravens have embraced that mindset fully. With a 3-1 record in divisional play through 14 weeks and a two-game lead over the second-place Cleveland Browns, the Ravens aren’t just competing for the AFC North title—they’re seeking to assert control, intimidate rivals, and secure home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This aggressive pursuit is evident in every aspect of their game: from their dominant rushing attack that wears down divisional defenses to their strategic focus on key rival matchups. AFC North Dominance Sought Aggressively by the Baltimore Ravens explores how the Ravens are chasing division supremacy, the moves they’ve made to outclass rivals, and why this pursuit is critical to their Super Bowl aspirations.

The Ravens’ aggressive pursuit of AFC North dominance starts with their approach to divisional matchups, which they treat as de facto playoff games—prioritizing preparation, physicality, and momentum. Unlike some teams that rest key players or overlook divisional foes, the Ravens go all-in against the Browns, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Cincinnati Bengals. This season, they’ve dedicated extra film study sessions to divisional opponents, focusing on tendencies that only emerge in rivalry games (like the Steelers’ aggressive blitz packages or the Browns’ run-heavy red-zone strategy). In Week 5 against the Steelers, the Ravens’ preparation paid off: they rushed for 168 yards, sacked Kenny Pickett four times, and won 24-17—setting the tone for their divisional campaign. “AFC North games are won in the trenches, and we prepare like that,” head coach John Harbaugh said. “We don’t just want to win—we want to send a message that this division runs through Baltimore.” AFC North Dominance Sought Aggressively by the Baltimore Ravens notes that this approach has paid dividends: the Ravens have outscored divisional opponents by 45 points this season, the largest margin in the AFC North.

Another key part of the Ravens’ aggressive pursuit is their utilization of a dominant rushing attack to wear down divisional defenses—a strategy tailored to the physicality of AFC North play. Divisional foes like the Browns and Steelers are known for tough, run-stopping defenses, but the Ravens have overwhelmed them with a three-headed monster of Gus Edwards, Keaton Mitchell, and Lamar Jackson. Edwards, a power runner who thrives in physical matchups, averages 5.1 yards per carry against AFC North teams this season—1.2 yards more than his league average. Mitchell, with his speed, has exploited tired divisional defenses in the fourth quarter, scoring three touchdowns in the final 10 minutes of divisional games. Jackson, meanwhile, has used his mobility to extend plays and convert critical third downs, keeping divisional defenses off balance. In Week 15 against the Browns, the Ravens rushed for 142 yards and two touchdowns, wearing down Cleveland’s defensive line and securing a 27-17 win. “Divisional defenses get tough, but they can’t keep up with our pace for four quarters,” offensive coordinator Todd Monken said. AFC North Dominance Sought Aggressively by the Baltimore Ravens emphasizes that this rushing strategy isn’t just effective—it’s aggressive, as the Ravens keep running even when they have a lead, ensuring rivals don’t get a chance to mount a comeback.

For the Baltimore Ravens, aggressive roster building has been critical to their pursuit of AFC North dominance, with key additions tailored to counter divisional threats. In the 2024 offseason, the Ravens signed defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones—specifically to help stop the Browns’ Nick Chubb and the Steelers’ Najee Harris—and re-signed linebacker Roquan Smith to lead a defense that can handle the division’s physicality. These moves have paid off: Jones has 3 sacks and 8 tackles for loss against AFC North teams, while Smith has recorded 45 tackles and 2 interceptions in divisional play. The Ravens also added depth at wide receiver, signing Odell Beckham Jr. to provide a deep threat against divisional secondaries that often stack the box to stop the run. “We build our roster with the AFC North in mind,” general manager Eric DeCosta said. “Every signing, every draft pick is meant to give us an edge against the teams we play twice a year.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this targeted roster building has given them a clear advantage over rivals, who have struggled to match the Ravens’ depth and talent. AFC North Dominance Sought Aggressively by the Baltimore Ravens explores how this proactive approach to roster construction has made the Ravens the team to beat in the division.

The Baltimore Ravens’ aggressive pursuit of AFC North dominance also extends to late-game situations, where they refuse to play it safe and instead seek to put games away against divisional foes. Unlike teams that run the clock out with conservative plays, the Ravens keep attacking, ensuring rivals don’t get a chance to steal a win. In Week 12 against the Bengals (a game the Ravens ultimately lost, but fought hard to the end), they called a deep pass on third-and-5 with 2 minutes left, looking to extend the drive—instead of a safe run. While the pass was incomplete, it showed their mindset: they’d rather lose aggressively than play not to lose. In Week 8 against the Steelers, the Ravens took a similar approach: up 17-14 in the fourth quarter, they called a zone-read play for Jackson, who rushed for 15 yards and a touchdown to seal the win. “We don’t back down in the fourth quarter, especially against divisional teams,” Jackson said. “We want to finish strong and let everyone know who’s in control.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this late-game aggression has turned close divisional games into wins: they’ve won three divisional matchups by 10 points or fewer, all thanks to fourth-quarter scores. AFC North Dominance Sought Aggressively by the Baltimore Ravens notes that this mindset is a departure from past seasons, where the Ravens sometimes played cautiously—now, they’re determined to assert their dominance in every phase of the game.

Finally, the Baltimore Ravens’ aggressive pursuit of AFC North dominance is fueled by a desire to end a two-year division title drought and reestablish themselves as the AFC North’s premier franchise. Since winning the division in 2022, the Ravens have watched the Bengals and Browns compete for the title, and they’re eager to take back control. This motivation is evident in the locker room, where players talk openly about the importance of the division title and the pride that comes with winning the AFC North. “We know what it’s like to be on top, and we want that back,” Smith said. “Every practice, every game is about proving we’re the best in this division.” For the Baltimore Ravens, this hunger has translated to consistent performance: they’ve won seven of their last eight games, with their only loss coming to the Bengals in a game they outgained Cincinnati by 60 yards. AFC North Dominance Sought Aggressively by the Baltimore Ravens concludes that with just two games left in the regular season—including a Week 17 showdown with the Browns that could decide the division—the Ravens’ aggressive pursuit is about to pay off. If they win out, they’ll secure the AFC North title and home-field advantage, putting them in prime position to make a deep playoff run. For the Ravens, AFC North dominance isn’t just a goal—it’s the first step to a Super Bowl championship.