AFC North Bloodbath: Will Steelers’ Rodgers or Ravens’ Jackson Dominate the Next Chapter?
The AFC North is known for its hard-nosed football, intense rivalries, and a history of producing some of the league’s most dominant teams. In 2025, the division promises another thrilling chapter, headlined by the intriguing narrative of Aaron Rodgers leading the Pittsburgh Steelers against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens. With both quarterbacks aiming for the top spot, the AFC North is set for a season of fierce competition and unpredictable outcomes.
The Rodgers Effect in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a splash in the offseason by acquiring veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. After a disappointing end to the 2024 season, which saw both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields fail to elevate the Steelers’ offense, the team traded for DK Metcalf and brought in Rodgers, signaling a clear intention to compete for the Super Bowl. Rodgers himself has stated that 2025 will “pretty sure” be his final season, adding a sense of urgency to his tenure in Pittsburgh.
Rodgers’ arrival has sparked considerable optimism among Steelers fans and analysts alike. His experience, Super Bowl pedigree, and exceptional passing skills are expected to transform the Steelers’ offense. According to Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Rodgers will be joined by several new faces in the starting lineup, including Metcalf, Jaylen Warren at running back, and potentially Roman Wilson and Calvin Austin III at receiver. The Steelers are aiming to blend Rodgers’ passing prowess with a physical running game, creating a balanced and potent attack.
However, questions remain about how quickly Rodgers, at 41 years old, can adapt to a new team and system. Colin Cowherd of THE HERD has boldly predicted that the Steelers will have a losing record, suggesting that Rodgers may show signs of decline. Despite the concerns, many believe that a healthy and motivated Rodgers can elevate the Steelers into a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
Lamar Jackson’s Quest for Continued Dominance
In Baltimore, Lamar Jackson is looking to continue his reign over the AFC North. After securing back-to-back division titles, Jackson has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks. His dual-threat ability, combining electrifying runs with improved passing skills, makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
The Ravens have bolstered their roster around Jackson, adding key pieces on both sides of the ball. The acquisition of Derrick Henry at running back adds a new dimension to their rushing attack, while the receiving corps, led by Zay Flowers and DeAndre Hopkins, provides Jackson with reliable targets. Defensively, the Ravens are stacked at every level, with stars like Marlon Humphrey, Kyle Hamilton, and newly acquired Jaire Alexander forming a formidable unit.
Despite their regular-season success, the Ravens have struggled to translate that dominance into playoff victories. According to NFL.com, the Ravens have made too many mistakes in the playoffs and haven’t forced their opponents to make enough. As such, the pressure is on Jackson to lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl title and solidify his legacy as one of the game’s greats.
The AFC North Landscape
While the Rodgers-Jackson rivalry is set to dominate headlines, the AFC North is far from a two-team race. The Cincinnati Bengals, led by Joe Burrow, are always a threat, and the Cleveland Browns, despite their quarterback carousel, possess a talented roster capable of making noise.
The Bengals, who finished the 2024 season with a 10-7 record, have the offensive firepower to compete with anyone. However, their defense remains a concern, and they will need to improve on that side of the ball to contend for the division title. The Browns, on the other hand, are facing uncertainty at the quarterback position, but their defense, led by Myles Garrett, is among the league’s best.
Predictions and Expectations
Predicting the outcome of the 2025 AFC North season is no easy task. The division is loaded with talent, and each team has the potential to make a deep playoff run. However, the Rodgers-Jackson dynamic adds an extra layer of intrigue, with both quarterbacks eager to prove their dominance.
According to BetMGM, the Baltimore Ravens are the favorites to win the AFC North with -145 odds. The Cincinnati Bengals are second at +220, followed by the Pittsburgh Steelers at +550, and the Cleveland Browns at +3000. Despite the odds, many analysts believe that the Steelers, with Rodgers at the helm, have a legitimate shot at dethroning the Ravens.
Ultimately, the success of the Steelers and Ravens will depend on the health and performance of their star quarterbacks. If Rodgers can recapture his MVP form and Jackson can elevate his game in the playoffs, the AFC North could very well produce the Super Bowl champion in 2025.