Are the Ravens the Clear-Cut Favorites to Win the North?

Photo Credit: Terrance Williams, AP

The Baltimore Ravens are currently in first place in the AFC North, sitting at 2-0. After a statement victory in Cincinnati in week two, the Ravens have found themselves atop of the division. 

Even with all of the injuries they’ve faced up to this point, they’re managing to prevail against their opponents. Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. hits the injury reporter after suffering an ankle injury in the team’s win over the Bengals on Sunday. 

Along with Beckham, there are a bunch of other players injured as well. Running back J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending ankle injury in week one against the Houston Texans, as he tore his achilles in the win. Players that are questionable for week three against the Colts are WR Beckham Jr. (ankle), safety Marcus Williams (pectoral), center Tyler Linderbaum (ankle), cornerback Marlon Humprhey (foot), offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley (knee) and linebacker Odafe Oweh (ankle). 

Through the first two weeks, yes it's a small sample size, but the Ravens are second in the NFL in completion percentage (74.6%), sixth in total rushing yards (288 yards) and tied for first in rushing touchdowns (4). 

Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch, Getty Images

The team’s defense is 13 in passing completion allowed (65.2%), 11 in sacks (6), sixth in total rushing yards allowed (138 yards) and tied for first in rushing touchdowns allowed (0). The only category they need help with on defense is forcing turnovers, as they’re at the bottom of the league in forced fumbles and interceptions. 

There are injuries to Cleveland Browns as well as RB Nick Chubb is out for the season, after tearing multiple ligaments in his left knee and dislocating it as well, in the loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Monday Night.

The Bengals are struggling to get things going as they have fallen to 0-2 on the season after their loss to the Ravens on Sunday.

The Steelers may not have the firepower to keep up with this Baltimore team, even though Mike Tomlin’s crew always seems to play John Harbaugh’s boys really well.

All of these injuries, yet they’re still finding ways to win and dominate on both sides of the ball. Are the Baltimore Ravens the clear-cut favorites to win the AFC North?