For the next couple of weeks, SportsVival will be diving deep into the AFC North. What better place to begin than with the Steelers’ fiercest rival—the Baltimore Ravens.
Offense first.
The Ravens are loaded. With Lamar Jackson at quarterback, Derrick Henry in the backfield, Zay Flowers out wide, Mark Andrews at tight end, and the recent addition of veteran DeAndre Hopkins, Baltimore is banking on its core to make another Super Bowl run. Personally, I rank Derrick Henry as the second-best running back in football, trailing only Saquon Barkley. And Lamar Jackson? One of the greatest dual-threat quarterbacks this league has ever seen. Baltimore’s offense offers a bit of everything—speed, power, experience, and explosiveness.
Now the defense.
Can it match the offense? Can it keep elite opponents in check? History says... maybe.
Baltimore has long been synonymous with defense—just like Pittsburgh. It’s part of their DNA, their cities, their fans. Think back to the Steel Curtain of the '70s or the legendary 2000 Ravens squad. These teams broke the mold, setting the tone for physical, punishing football. Baltimore’s current unit wants to echo that legacy. Linebackers like Kyle Van Noy and Roquan Smith are a solid tandem. In the secondary, corners Nate Wiggins and Jaire Alexander bring lockdown ability, while safeties Kyle Hamilton and Malachi Starks add range and physicality. There’s every reason to believe this defense could rank among the league’s elite.
Still, a few questions loom.
As dominant as Lamar Jackson has been, his playoff record stands at just 3–5. For a player of his stature, that’s a glaring blemish. The critiques are clear—his accuracy wanes under pressure, especially in clutch situations. To truly ascend, Jackson needs a playoff run that’s defined by air dominance, not just electrifying scrambles. Athleticism alone doesn’t win championships. Flash is great, but the postseason demands precision and poise from the pocket. Baltimore has remained a run-heavy team throughout Jackson’s tenure, and the results have plateaued. So, is this the year he finally flips the narrative and leads the Ravens to a third Lombardi Trophy? Or will tough questions start swirling around Jackson... and around longtime head coach John Harbaugh?
Prediction: 12–5 (1st in the AFC North)