The Baltimore Ravens notched another win in Week 12, defeating the New York Jets, 23-10. Just like last week, it was not the prettiest, but they ultimately got the job done.
With the win, the Ravens move to 6-5. It is the first time they have owned a record over .500 all season. The team is on fire, rolling through their past five opponents, and holding a five-game winning streak ahead of their Week 13 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals on Thanksgiving night.
While they have not faced the toughest opponents, it is clear that the Ravens are back. Their defense is dominating games in a convincing fashion, and while the offense has been the weak point as of late, they are fighting through those troubles and grinding out wins.
The most notable part of this stretch is that Baltimore has stunningly taken control of first place in the AFC North after starting the year with a record of 1-5 through the first seven weeks.
Ravens pass Steelers for first place in AFC North on Sunday
Just after the Ravens won on Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers lost at the hands of the Chicago Bears, 31-28. Like Baltimore, Pittsburgh also sits at 6-5. However, the Ravens’ 2-0 record in division games outdoes their heated division rival’s record of 2-1 in such contests.
Regardless of where everything stands right now, the division crown will likely be determined when the Ravens and Steelers take the field across from each other in Week 14 and Week 18. That regular-season finale could be for all the marbles.
In recent memory, Pittsburgh has had Baltimore’s number. Dating back to 2020, the Ravens are 2-8 against them in regular-season matchups, and quarterback Lamar Jackson has especially had issues going up against the Mike Tomlin-led group. Excluding the playoffs, he has an ugly eight touchdowns and nine interceptions against the Steelers in his career.
While Jackson earned two wins over them last year, one in the regular season and another in the playoffs, he will need to break through against what seems to be his kryptonite if Baltimore wants a shot at three-peating as AFC North champions.
It is fair to say the Ravens have a very realistic shot at taking that title once again in 2025. It seems like every other team in the division is struggling, while they are starting to hit their stride.
The impending return of quarterback Joe Burrow for the Bengals could change things, but for now, the fight will come down to the battles between Baltimore and Pittsburgh late in the season.