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Steelers imploding is great news for Ravens AFC North hopes

By Richard Bradshaw

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 9: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on from the sideline in the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 9: Head coach John Harbaugh of the Baltimore Ravens looks on from the sideline in the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 9: Javorius Allen #37 and Alex Collins #34 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD – SEPTEMBER 9: Javorius Allen #37 and Alex Collins #34 of the Baltimore Ravens celebrate after a touchdown in the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at M&T Bank Stadium on September 9, 2018 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

AFC North race is wide open:

The Steelers have won the AFC North crown four times since 2010, including back-to-back titles in 2016 and 2017. Thing aren’t looking so cheery now, however. A tie against a division rival (the Cleveland Browns of all teams) and being win-less in the division, even this early in the season, is not good news for Pittsburgh.

So, now it’s on Baltimore to capitalize and take control on the division. A loss to the Cincinnati Bengals on Thursday Night Football was certainly deflating, but the team can rebound with a statement win over the Denver Broncos this Sunday. And the Ravens need this win now more than ever.

The Bengals may be 2-0 on the season, but there’s a reason few had faith in them headed into the 2018 season. Meanwhile, Baltimore was once again thought of as a potential sleeper. Regardless, the Steelers were the heavy favorites to win the AFC North again. That’s not looking very good at the moment.

Between what could/should be a dominant defense and a revived passing attack, Baltimore has what it takes to win 9-10 games in 2018, which might be more than enough for a division title. No one is doubting Baltimore right now, but now is the time to put their foot on the gas pedal and blow by the rest of the teams in the AFC North. And they can do it behind the arm of Joe Flacco and a defense with stars all over the field. The Ravens will have to find a way to adjust without C.J. Mosley for a bit, but this can be (somewhat) overcome with a “next man up” philosophy.

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The Ravens haven’t won the division since way back in 2012, coincidentally the same year the team won Super Bowl XLVII. Unfortunately, Baltimore’s remaining schedule remains unkind with big challenges such as the Denver Broncos, New Orleans Saints, and Carolina Panthers (among others) still on the calendar. But with five division games remaining, including two against Pittsburgh, Baltimore can take an advantage and win the AFC North Crown in 2018. But now is the time to step up and take advantage of a perfect opportunity.

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