Who Has the Edge in the Tightly Contested AFC North Race Entering the Final Stretch of the Season?
The 2025 AFC North Division race has reached a pivotal moment as both the Ravens and Steelers emerge as the clear frontrunners, each carrying a 6-5 record heading into Thanksgiving week. Baltimore currently holds the divisional advantage due to a superior record against AFC North opponents, giving the Ravens a slight edge as the pressure builds. The margin separating the teams remains razor-thin, which has only intensified the anticipation surrounding the final stretch of the season. With two head-to-head matchups still ahead and neither team having faced the other yet this year, the rivalry is poised to reach new heights as December football approaches.
Both contenders now face difficult schedules packed with opponents who are fighting for their own playoff positions. Baltimore is preparing for two critical matchups against Pittsburgh, a pair of divisional battles against Cincinnati, and a daunting late-season showdown with the AFC-leading New England Patriots in Week 17. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, must maneuver through its own demanding slate that includes divisional rivals and several out-of-division playoff hopefuls eager to deliver a setback. Each matchup carries significant weight, and the cumulative effect of these challenges will likely determine who claims the AFC North crown, underscoring the intense unpredictability surrounding this year’s race.
A major storyline overshadowing the race is the health of both starting quarterbacks, whose availability could dictate the direction of the division. The Steelers have leaned heavily on veteran Aaron Rodgers, though a left wrist injury forced him to sit out the recent loss to Chicago, and his status continues to be monitored closely by the coaching staff. Concern lingers in Pittsburgh about whether he can withstand the physical demands of the remaining schedule, especially with multiple high-stakes divisional games ahead. Any prolonged absence or limited mobility from Rodgers would significantly alter the Steelers' offensive approach and put added strain on the rest of the roster.
Similarly, Baltimore faces its own challenges under center as Lamar Jackson works to push through a series of lower-body injuries that have accumulated over the season. He previously missed time with a hamstring setback and has since appeared on the injury report due to a toe issue that limited him during Monday’s practice. Jackson’s dynamic playmaking abilities are essential to Baltimore’s identity, yet the lingering effects of these injuries have contributed to occasional inconsistencies within the offense. How well he can manage his mobility and explosiveness down the stretch will play a pivotal role in determining Baltimore’s postseason hopes.
Baltimore’s defense has undergone a remarkable turnaround since its disappointing Week Five blowout loss to the Houston Texans, emerging as one of the most reliable units in the league. The Ravens have held opponents below 20 points for six straight games, a stark improvement from the first five contests when they surrendered more than 30 points in four outings. Midseason additions such as safety Alohi Gilman and pass rusher Dre’Mont Jones have helped solidify key weaknesses, providing immediate stability in both the secondary and the pass rush. As the temperatures drop and games become more physically demanding, this defensive resurgence has positioned Baltimore to thrive in late-season battles.
The Steelers’ defense, traditionally one of the team's greatest strengths, has experienced a far more inconsistent campaign. Pittsburgh has allowed more than 20 points in six different games, exposing vulnerabilities in coverage and run support that opponents have exploited during critical moments. Despite possessing cornerstone defenders like Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt, the unit has struggled to consistently generate pressure or create game-changing stops. A return to its aggressive and disciplined defensive identity will be crucial if Pittsburgh hopes to contain Baltimore’s dynamic offense and stay in the hunt for the division title.
Ultimately, the direction of the AFC North is likely to be determined by the two upcoming Ravens and Steelers clashes that now carry massive implications for both organizations. These divisional battles are expected to be physical, emotional, and potentially season-defining as both teams fight for postseason positioning and bragging rights. Baltimore enters the closing stretch with a slight advantage thanks to recent defensive dominance and a valuable divisional tiebreaker, although concerns surrounding offensive health continue to cast uncertainty over the team. If the Ravens manage to sweep both meetings, a third consecutive AFC North crown becomes highly probable, but if Pittsburgh’s defense tightens and Rodgers returns to form, a late-season surge could flip the script and deliver the Steelers a stunning divisional triumph.
