AFC North predictions: Where will the Steelers finish this year?

Second place: Baltimore Ravens, 11-6 (4-2 division record)

Each game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Pittsburgh Steelers was close and could’ve gone either way. They lost both games against the black and gold so that ultimately cost them the division. The AFC North will likely come down to those two games against the hated rivals. In this simulation, they split and the Ravens lost more AFC conference games. That cost them the division win in 2021 but it should be a fight to the bitter end.

This is a very talented team in Baltimore and they will make the playoffs this year. Their offense is still deadly with Lamar Jackson leading the way. Their passing game shows troubles at a time as they rely on the run game more. They should be able to consistently move the ball up and down the field every week.

One thing that will be interesting for the Ravens is seeing if a pass-rusher emerges. They drafted an edge rusher out of Penn State in the first round but he has not shown much in the stat column at the collegiate level. He will need to step up big for this defense if they want to get where they want to. There are some holes on this team but the offensive caliber they have will overshadow their concerns.