The Baltimore Ravens and the Favorites to Win the AFC in 2024

The 2024 NFL season is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent memory, especially within the AFC. In recent years, the conference has become a powerhouse far superior to its NFC counterpart, and its top five teams would all stand a chance of punching their ticket to the Super Bowl if they were in the conference opposite. But unfortunately for them, they are in the AFC, where the Kansas City Chiefs reign supreme.

The Arrowhead outfit has dominated not just their conference but the entire NFL in recent years. They have reached the Super Bowl four times in the last five years, winning three of them, including the last two. As such, they have the chance to become the first team in history to win three consecutive Lombardis, and perhaps become the greatest team in history in the process. Online NFL odds providers make them the +425 favorites to do exactly that. As such, then, that makes them the favorites to win the AFC once again, but who are their main rivals in the conference? Let’s start with the Chiefs themselves, and then look at their opponents!

Kansas City Chiefs

With their Super Bowl pedigree, the Kansas City Chiefs are the only team to start with. They are the favorites to clinch the AFC once more, after doing so in hard-fought circumstances last term. Last year, they were less than impressive throughout the regular season, resulting in them having to play two road games just to make it to Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas. In the end, they did exactly that, defeating the Buffalo Bills and – as we all painfully remember – the Baltimore Ravens, before going on to knock off the San Francisco 49ers in the Big Game. They will take some stopping once again this term, especially with history beckoning.

Baltimore Ravens

Last term, our beloved Ravens returned to form. With Lamar Jackson back in top form, the Maryland side topped the regular season standings, securing top-seed status heading into the postseason. There, they dispatched the upstart Houston Texans before a backs-to-the-wall effort handed the Chiefs victory in the conference championships. This term, the Ravens are out for revenge and are on the hunt to make it to the Super Bowl for the first time in 12 years.

The Ravens’ offseason was marked by strategic acquisitions – none more so than the addition of running back ace Derrick Henry. The former Tennessee Titan is also a former Heisman winner and became a sensation at Nissan Stadium, primarily thanks to him becoming the eighth member of the 2,000-yard club in 2020. He will be aiming to provide an additional threat to the Ravens’ attack, taking some pressure off of Jackson to consistently make big plays. If he can do that then another impressive campaign could be on the cards.

Houston Texans

Last season, the Houston Texans stunned everybody with their progression and became a genuine contender. The additions of C.J. Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. with the second and third overall picks of the 2023 Draft made headlines, and both players delivered consistently throughout the season. However, it was the former of that duo that stole the show.

Stroud won Rookie of the Year honors as he led the Lone Star State outfit to the Divisional Round of the playoffs against all odds. Now, he has even more attacking support, thanks to several marquee additions throughout the close season. Former Cincinnati Bengals’ running back Joe Mixon has arrived and he is expected to provide additional firepower on the ground while the acquisition of former Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs provides a new primary target for Stroud.

With odds of +1000, the Houston Texans are viewed as a dark horse in the AFC race. The Texans have undergone a significant transformation under head coach DeMeco Ryans. The infusion of young talent, particularly quarterback C.J. Stroud, has injected new hope into the franchise. Stroud’s collegiate success and poise under pressure suggest he could adapt quickly to the NFL’s demands.

Houston’s defense has become a focal point under head coach DeMeco Ryan’s guidance and it shows plenty of promise. However, their relative inexperience and the learning curve for their young roster present challenges they must overcome to contend seriously for the AFC crown.

Cincinnati Bengals

The Cincinnati Bengals have cemented themselves as perennial threats in the AFC in recent years. Quarterback Joe Burrow has impressed since being selected with the first overall pick of the 2020 draft, leading his side to a first Super Bowl appearance in over three decades in just his second campaign under center. Last term, he missed the latter part of the season with an injury, but he’s firing on all cylinders once again and he will be aiming to lead the Ohio outfit to the Lombardi this term.

The receiving duo of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins is perhaps the finest in the league and provides the former Heisman winner at quarterback with explosive playmaking options. However, the Bengals’ offensive line remains a concern. While improvements have been made, protecting Burrow against elite pass rushes will be crucial.

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