Get ready for a thrilling AFC North showdown! The race for the division crown is heating up, and it's not just a two-horse race anymore.
A Controversial Take: Could the AFC North Champion Have a Losing Record?
In a recent analysis, pundits are suggesting that the AFC North might crown a champion with a losing record, a scenario that's never happened before. But here's where it gets interesting: the division is so tight that even the 4-8 Cincinnati Bengals are still in the hunt.
Let's break it down.
After a thrilling Thanksgiving game, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers find themselves tied at 6-6, with the Ravens holding a slight edge due to their better record in common games. Here's the breakdown of their chances to win the division, according to ESPN Analytics:
- Ravens (6-6): 58%
- Steelers (6-6): 35%
- Bengals (4-8): 7%
But here's the twist: the Bengals, with quarterback Joe Burrow back in action, are threatening to make it a three-team race. They've already beaten the Ravens once, and with a 3-1 record in divisional games, they're not to be underestimated.
ESPN's Dan Graziano adds fuel to the fire, stating that with both the Ravens and Steelers at .500, the Bengals have a shot, and it's not far-fetched to imagine an AFC North winner with a losing record.
"We all know Mike Tomlin's Steelers have never finished a season with a losing record, but they were stinking it up on Sunday. And the Ravens? Well, Lamar Jackson hasn't thrown a touchdown pass in three games, and their offense seems off-kilter."
So, could the 4-8 Bengals really win the division with an 8-9 record? It's a bold prediction, and one that's sure to spark debate.
And this is the part most people miss: the final five games for each team could be crucial. Here's a look at their upcoming schedules:
- Ravens (6-6): vs. Steelers, at Bengals, vs. Patriots, at Packers, at Steelers
- Steelers (6-6): at Ravens, vs. Dolphins, at Lions, at Browns, vs. Ravens
- Bengals (4-8): at Bills, vs. Ravens, at Dolphins, vs. Cardinals, vs Browns
With these tight schedules, anything could happen.
So, who do you think will win the AFC North? Will it be the experienced Steelers, the resilient Ravens, or the surprising Bengals? And what about that controversial prediction of a losing record champion? Weigh in with your thoughts in the comments!
