The Baltimore Ravens are currently atop the standings in an oft-competitive division. The margin of error is very thin in the AFC North. Although the Ravens are first in the standings, one loss can completely rearrange things. Baltimore narrowly leads the division, sharing a two-loss record with both the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns. The Cincinnati Bengals only sit one game behind all three teams. The Ravens should be able to pull away in the race, as they are the most complete team in the AFC North. The Steelers suffer from inconsistent quarterback and shaky defensive play that is sure to come back and bite them. Deshaun Watson decides when he wants to play football for the Browns, and Joe Burrow is fighting an injury that makes him look a little less superhuman.
As far as the entire AFC goes, only the Kansas City Chiefs and Miami Dolphins are as complete as the Ravens. The Chiefs have the best quarterback/tight end combination in the NFL, but Lamar Jackson and Mark Andrews have a case of their own. The Dolphins are extremely explosive but have struggled when playing against cold-weather teams. Not to mention, Baltimore has the best defense in the AFC, only rivaled by the Browns. With that being said, the Ravens are quietly the best team in the division.
The Ravens Are Quietly the Best Team in AFC
Lamar Jackson Continues To Soar
Lamar Jackson has been dominating this season. The only issue that has plagued Jackson is untimely turnovers. Even with that being the case, he is still in the MVP conversation. In 7 games this season, Jackson has thrown for over 1,600 yards and has rushed for over 350 yards. The quarterback has been single-handedly keeping the Ravens offense competitive. As a matter of fact, Jackson played his best and most complete game as a passer in a Week 7 blowout against a hot Detroit Lions team. Jackson competed 21 of 27 passes for 357 yards and three touchdowns. He also added a rushing touchdown for good measure. Jackson did turn the ball over once but finished the game with a passer rating of 155.8. The offensive line has gotten healthy, and the receivers are catching the ball. As Jackson continues his high level of play, the sky’s the limit for the Ravens.
The Defense Is Elite
Although Lamar Jackson is having an MVP-caliber season, the defense is the reason the Ravens are possibly the best team in the NFL. In 7 games this season, Baltimore’s defense has not allowed over 24 points in a game, not even in the two losses. In 5 of 7 games, Baltimore has impressively held opposing teams under 17 points. The usual suspects are anchoring the Ravens defense. Roquan Smith, Patrick Queen, and Kyle Hamilton have been tackling machines, finding ball carriers like heat-seeking missiles. The most surprising bright spot on defense has been safety Geno Stone. Stone currently leads the league in interceptions with four. Stone has always been a reliable player, but this season feels like a breakout for the safety. The Ravens have a strong pass rush, smart and athletic linebackers, and ball-hawking defensive backs; a trifecta. If Baltimore’s defense continues to shine in all phases, it won’t be long until others recognize the Baltimore Ravens as the AFC’s best.
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