Are Baltimore Ravens 'In The Chase' For The AFC Crown?

The Baltimore Ravens are considered to be one of the teams to beat in the AFC, but when it comes to chasing down the Kansas City Chiefs, where do the Ravens sit in the AFC hierarchy?

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) prepares to / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens were the best regular season team last year, finishing with a 13-4 record and home-field advantage for the playoffs. After getting past the Houston Texans, the Ravens faced Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

The 17-10 loss in the AFC Championship game saw Baltimore's season end, while the Chiefs would go on to win their second consecutive Super Bowl. After an up and down free agency period that saw multiple starters leave, but Derrick Henry join, along with Justin Madubuike re-signing, Baltimore still has the firepower to cause trouble next season.

But in the AFC hierarchy, where does John Harbaugh's team sit? NFL.com broke down the AFC teams into tiers with the Chiefs in the "league of their own" category.

As for Baltimore, they are placed in the "in the chase" group with the Bengals, Texans, Dolphins, and Bills.

"Baltimore was the best team in the 2023 regular season, going 13-4 despite playing in the only NFL division that produced three postseason participants," NFL.com writes. "And the offense might be even better in 2024, with Jackson benefiting from increased comfort in Year 2 with OC Todd Monken and the long-awaited addition of running back Derrick Henry. If there is an area to watch, it is the offensive line, which has lost three starters, and the defense, which not only has to replace linebacker Patrick Queen (who left for the rival Steelers), but also defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald (who is now the head coach of the Seahawks). Still, the Ravens have consistently shown the ability to restock the roster -- this offseason doesn't feel any different."

Jan 28, 2024; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) prepares to / Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The AFC North is going to be an interesting watch in 2024 and if the Ravens have any intention of slaying the Chiefs, they surely must win the division.

But the Pittsburgh Steelers, Bengals and Cleveland Browns are all thought to be better versions of themselves, while the Ravens "could" be seen as a weaker.

Still armed with serious talent on both sides of the ball, Baltimore can and should feel good about their chances heading into next season. The nucleus of their roster remains intact, and offensively, the addition of Henry to Todd Monken's offense looms as a superb piece of business.

But is all of that enough for the Ravens to potentially win the AFC crown next season? Well, one thing is for sure: they're "in the chase" for it.