March 23, 2026, 8:42 a.m. ET
There is one thing you can be certain of. The Baltimore Ravens didn’t forget how last season ended. A Week 18 loss to the hated Pittsburgh Steelers left a sour taste and helped reshape the narrative around both franchises. After almost two decades, Mike Tomlin and John Harbaugh are both gone. Now, almost three months later, with key changes on both sides of the ball and with a new coaching regime, the division feels up for grabs again. That’s what makes this upcoming season so fascinating. Both teams are entering new eras in different ways. Whichever proves to have found the most clarity will have an upper hand come Week 1 of the 2026 regular season.
Right now, that team appears to be Baltimore. They have doubled down on their identity, reinforcing strengths while addressing key areas. Pittsburgh, meanwhile, feels more like a team searching for answers than one building on certainty. Aaron Rodgers’ commitment to another season is again part of the discussion, and in a division where margins are razor-thin, that difference could prove decisive. This appears to be Baltimore’s division for the taking again. Here are four of about ten reasons why that argument can be made.
1. Mike McCarthy doesn’t move the needle.
The Steelers’ decision to part ways with Mike Tomlin and bring in Mike McCarthy raises more questions than answers. The latter’s track record has been debated for years, especially when examining his time with Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers. His recent stint with the Dallas Cowboys did little to quiet critics. Right now, there’s no added fear factor of Pittsburgh because of his arrival. He’s more experienced, but if we were to make early predictions, we’d give an edge to the Ravens’ coaching staff over that of their top rival.
2. Quarterback trajectory favors Baltimore.
If Rodgers is indeed in Pittsburgh for 2026, he’s no longer the MVP-caliber player he once was. On the other side, Lamar Jackson remains in his prime and continues to elevate Baltimore’s offense. That contrast alone could decide the division. Joe Burrow remains one of the best signal-callers in all of football. Still, it seems he’ll be let down by the Cincinnati Bengals organization. That seems to be his story every year.
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The addition of Derrick Henry gives Baltimore a punishing, tone-setting presence. Combined with Jackson’s mobility, the Ravens now possess one of the most dangerous rushing attacks in football. It’s one that can control tempo and wear down defenses.
Plus, running games always travel well.
4. Trey Hendrickson strengthens the defense.
Adding Trey Hendrickson bolsters an already physical defense. His pass-rushing ability adds another layer to a unit that thrives on disruption and discipline.
Baltimore isn’t just hoping to bounce back. They’ve positioned themselves to take control of their division again. If these pieces come together, which is a very real possibility, the AFC North may be theirs to lose.