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AFC North power rankings: Browns, Steelers to push Ravens?

By William Schneiderhan

Nick Chubb, Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images)
Nick Chubb, Baker Mayfield, Cleveland Browns. (Photo by Omar Rawlings/Getty Images) /
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BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JANUARY 11: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens looks to pass against the Tennessee Titans during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at M&T Bank Stadium on January 11, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

1. Baltimore Ravens

2019: 14-2 (1st)

For the greater part of the last decade, the AFC North has run through Pittsburgh and Baltimore. The Bengals have competed, but not to the consistency of the other two clubs.

John Harbaugh’s Ravens are the reigning back-to-back divisional champions, and they are slated to make that three straight division titles in 2020. Last year, they had the best record in the entire NFL at 14-2, and Lamar Jackson burst onto the scene as the full-time starting quarterback and won himself the MVP.

Jackson‘s offense scored the most points (531) in the league, and the defense as also top five. After losing in the Divisional Round of the playoffs, the front office added to a Pro Bowl packed roster.

In the draft, linebacker Patrick Queen, running back J.K. Dobbins, and defensive tackle Justin Madubuike were selected and they will provide production right away. On the open market, defensive linemen Derek Wolfe was signed, and both linebacker Matthew Judon and cornerback Jimmy Smith were brought back. The biggest addition was trading for Calais Campbell, who will provide must needed pressure.

This is perhaps one of the most well-rounded rosters in the league, rivaling the Super Bowl-winning Kansas City Chiefs. In fact, this team is built specifically to overthrow the Chiefs within the AFC landscape.

It is hard to imagine the Ravens not winning the AFC North again in 2020, and they are favored in every single regular-season game at the moment. At best, the Steelers or Browns may compete for part of the season. Though, this roster the Ravens will boast in 2020 is simply jam-packed with talent.

dark. Next. 2020 NFL power rankings: Chiefs, Ravens are the favorites

The Ravens take home the number-one spot in the AFC North power rankings for all the reasons already discussed. But, they deserve that honor because this is seemingly the beginning. With Jackson under center and a team with a lot to prove after a demoralizing exit in the Divisional Round, this team can compete with anyone for a long time.

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