Ravens Division Rival Could 'Push Past A Few' AFC Teams This Season

There are surprises every year and thankfully the Baltimore Ravens avoided one by inking quarterback Lamar Jackson to a new contract. 

With that potential blindside hit out of the way, NFL.com says there's another that could be coming the Ravens' way if they aren't careful. And it's called the Cleveland Browns.

"The Browns are buried in the shadows of the AFC for obvious reasons. Their own division houses two of the better teams in the league -- the Bengals and Ravens," says NFL.com. "However, there is still plenty to like about Cleveland's potential this fall...(including the) presence of Deshaun Watson, who might even be able to woo DeAndre Hopkins...There are a lot of sexy teams in the AFC...Just don't be surprised if the Browns push past a few of them for a playoff spot."

As long as Baltimore isn't one of the teams Cleveland is pushing past the end result will still make the team happy as it fights for the division title this season. 

The Ravens last won the division in 2019, Jackson's second year in the NFL and the same season he earned his first Pro Bowl trip, First-Team All-Pro selection, and won the league's MVP Award.

Since then, Jackson has made it to just one Pro Bowl and Baltimore has finished with double-digit wins just once. 

Meanwhile, the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cincinnati Bengals - who are currently back-to-back AFC North Champions - have enjoyed the Ravens' descent from the top. 

While the Browns try to surprise everyone by even making a playoff push, Baltimore's surprise intentions are aimed much higher.

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