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The Ravens started Sunday with a chance to strengthen their position in the AFC North. They finished it in last place.
Baltimore’s 35-13 loss to Cincinnati dropped the Ravens to 4-3 overall and 0-2 in the division. With Cleveland beating Tennessee in overtime and Pittsburgh defeating New Orleans 16-10, Baltimore was the only AFC North team to lose in Week 7. The Browns and Steelers are both 5-2, with Cleveland leading the division. Cincinnati improved to 4-2 and took the lead over Baltimore after winning the teams’ first meeting of the season.
Place |
Team |
Record |
Week 7 result |
|---|---|---|---|
1 |
Browns |
5-2 |
Beat Titans in overtime |
2 |
Steelers |
5-2 |
Beat Saints, 16-10 |
3 |
Bengals |
4-2 |
Beat Ravens, 35-13 |
4 |
Ravens |
4-3 |
Lost to Bengals, 35-13 |
Baltimore is one game behind Cleveland and Pittsburgh and a half-game behind Cincinnati. Just as concerning, consecutive losses to the Browns and Bengals have left the Ravens with two divisional defeats and head-to-head ground to recover.
Sunday’s collapse made that position especially frustrating. Baltimore carried a 13-0 lead into halftime before Cincinnati scored 35 unanswered points, turning a potential division win into the Ravens’ second consecutive loss.
The Ravens have fallen from 4-1 to the bottom of a division where every team still has a winning record. Time remains to recover, but Baltimore can no longer lean on its strong start while its closest competitors keep winning.
Next, Baltimore faces a road matchup against Buffalo, followed by a home game against Jacksonville. After letting two divisional opportunities slip away, the Ravens face growing pressure to stop their slide before the standings become more difficult to repair.