In 2015, the rivalry between Baltimore and Pittsburgh seemed to take a break from its usual prevalence. Could that change in 2016?
Don’t get me wrong. The rivalry between the Steelers and the Ravens was still very much alive in 2015. With Ben Roethlisberger injured for one of the matchups, the Ravens having a subpar year, and Cincinnati becoming enemy number one on Pittsburgh’s radar, the intense rivalry simply took backseat last year.
The Steelers and Ravens have always played close, thrilling games. No matter how each team was performing, the games came down to the last moments, and was the rollercoaster ride of emotions that makes football so exciting. Despite the Ravens going 5-11 last season, they managed to sweep Pittsburgh.
The Steelers are known for playing down to their opponent, and with the rivalry not the battle for the AFC North that it usually is, they played underwhelming and sloppy football.
This year, the rivalry has the potential to reemerge. Both of the games that these two teams face off in could potentially have very high stakes. The first one is midway through the season in Week 9. Both teams, assuming they are doing fairly well, will need to jumpstart their run down the stretch, and grab the upper hand in quite possibly the toughest division in football.
The latter game could have even higher stakes. Week 16, Christmas Day, and possibly the battle for the AFC North. While Baltimore was disappointing in 2015, they will jump into this season with a healthier, and better team overall. With Cincinnati losing a few key players, Baltimore is in prime position to overtake them as Pittsburgh’s top competitor.
I’m not saying that Baltimore will replace Cincinnati as the biggest rivalry in the AFC North. The rivalry between the Bengals and Steelers will surely be tense and filled with entertaining yet petty altercations. The Cincinnati rivalry could offer more tension while Baltimore might offer better games, but it’s yet to be seen.
The AFC North has the chance to be the most exciting division in football, and even send three teams to the playoffs. It has three impressive teams with loads of beef, and it also has the drama of the Cleveland Browns! What more can a fan ask for?
Expect some great games, and some close games to decide the division. Who says you can’t have two big time rivals? Just means some more excitement.