Ravens and Rivals Unite For Unique Divisional History

With Baltimore followed by the Cleveland Browns (11-6), Pittsburgh Steelers (10-7), and Cincinnati Bengals (9-8), the AFC North is the first division to feature exclusively winning teams since the NFL's West in 1935. The unique union was clinched with the Bengals' 31-14 win over the Browns during Sunday afternoon's early action.

That prior grouping, led by the Detroit Lions (7-3-2), featured a combined six ties among the four, which also featured the Green Bay Packers (8-4), and Chicago Bears/Cardinals (both 6-4-2). 

The North's accomplishments perhaps make the Ravens' finish atop the AFC even more impressive. Three of their four losses came against divisional foes, though Week 18's loss to the Steelers on Saturday carries a bit of an asterisk. With the top seed in the AFC and the first-round bye that comes with wrapped up, Baltimore rested its starters in anticipation of its upcoming run to the Super Bowl, which begins in two weeks. Cleveland, locked into the AFC top Wild Card slot, also rested its top men against the Bengals, indirectly creating the historic feat.

With Baltimore's finest sitting out, Pittsburgh prevailed 17-10 and earned the necessary Sunday assistance to clinch a Wild Card berth alongside the Browns. One may face the Ravens in the Divisional round. Cleveland opens the playoff festivities on Saturday against the Houston Texans while the Steelers face the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

The Ravens certainly hope that history repeats itself: the top finisher of the last all-winners' division earned some gridiron hardware, as the Lions took down the New York Giants in the NFL Championship Game.