Playoff Pressure: Can Joe Flacco-Led Browns Steal AFC North Title from Ravens?

Playoff Pressure: Can Joe Flacco-Led Cleveland Browns Steal AFC North Title from Baltimore Ravens?

Before the 2023 season began, the Baltimore Ravens had the second-best odds to win the AFC North, and tied with the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers with a win total of 8.5. 

They were +1800 to reach the Super Bowl.

With the help of the MVP front-runner in Lamar Jackson and a dominant defense, the Ravens have blown through that win total and are aiming for the top spot in the AFC playoff race.

But not so fast. 

Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore's division title hasn't been delivered yet thanks to the Browns' win over the New York Jets on Thursday night.

The win helped Cleveland clinch a postseason berth; the Browns will be in the playoffs for only the second time since 2002.

The Browns - surprising in many ways, including the recent off-the-couch signing of Joe Flacco, the Ravens ex who is starting at QB in Cleveland - now have an 11-5 record ... so they are chasing the Ravens (12-3) in the AFC North division. And the breathing room has been lessened.

Baltimore's upcoming Week 17 game is against the Miami Dolphins - a major challenge. In Week 18, Baltimore plays its season finale against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Jan. 7. The Ravens simply need to win one of the two to clinch the division.

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But now the Browns are in pursuit in the North. And the Dolphins are 11-4, so this weekend they continue their pursuit of the Ravens and the top spot in the conference.

Coach John Harbaugh's Baltimore group now has the second-best odds to reach Super Bowl LVIII (+400) and owns the best odds in the AFC. So there is plenty of reason to have faith. ... but also plenty of reasons for the Ravens to seal the deal as quickly as possible.