AFC North Power Rankings Week One
By Brett Foote
Aug 23, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco (5) looks to pass against the Washington Redskins at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports
A very happy real football eve to everyone getting their snacks and beverages ready for the NFL season opener tommorrow. While we will be watching the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks matchup, for fans of the purple and black, the real action starts on Sunday as the Ravens take on their division rival Cincinnati Bengals at home. Which means that it’s time for our preliminary AFC North power rankings.
The Ravens open the season by not only facing one division rival, but three straight division games. This scheduling quirk can be either a blessing or a curse, depending on the outcome of each one. After week one, the Ravens host the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night and then travel to Cleveland the following Sunday to complete the trifecta.
If the Ravens can win all three games, it will be huge for their chances at winning the division. The Bengals, Steelers, and Browns would start the season behind the eight ball and facing an uphill battle. Winning a second game against any of the three could seal things up early for the Ravens.
Next: Power ranking the AFC North