Pittsburgh, PA – April 21, 2025. The Pittsburgh Steelers are poised to reclaim the AFC North crown, challenging the Baltimore Ravens’ recent dominance. With stars T.J. Watt and DK Metcalf, alongside coach Mike Tomlin’s relentless drive, the Steelers face a pivotal 2025 season after a sobering wild-card loss.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ 40-22 Super Bowl rout of Kansas City showcased a blueprint for neutralizing elite offenses, a lesson applicable to AFC North foes like Joe Burrow’s Bengals. The Ravens, once perennial champs, now navigate a shifting landscape, making 2025 a prime opportunity for Pittsburgh.
The Steelers, revitalized under Omar Khan’s bold offseason, are primed for a breakout. Their 10-7 finish in 2024, bolstered by a 4-2 division record, signals readiness to dethrone Baltimore, who faltered in clutch moments last season.
Pittsburgh’s grit and talent make them division favorites, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said.
The AFC North is a gauntlet, with Cincinnati’s high-octane passing, Baltimore’s run-heavy attack, and Cleveland’s retooled defense under Jim Schwartz. Yet, the Steelers’ additions—Metcalf via trade and Kyle Pitts at tight end—position them to outpace rivals.
This roster’s built to win now, NFL analyst Matt Miller noted.
Baltimore’s reliance on Lamar Jackson faces wear from consecutive playoff runs, while Cincinnati’s defense remains suspect. Cleveland, grappling with quarterback woes, lags behind. Pittsburgh’s top-five defense, led by Watt’s 11.5 sacks, and a revamped line with Broderick Jones give them an edge.
The Steelers are peaking at the right time, CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco said.
The 2025 NFL Draft, with Pittsburgh’s pick 21, offers a chance to cement their ascent. Targeting a quarterback like Shedeur Sanders or a defensive tackle like Kenneth Grant could elevate their ceiling, complementing Arthur Smith’s outside-zone scheme.
Drafting smart seals their dominance, The Athletic’s Mike Sando wrote.
As the AFC North braces for a brutal 2025, the Ravens’ grip weakens. With Khan’s vision, Tomlin’s leadership, and a bolstered roster, the Steelers are favored to claim the division title, heralding a new era of Pittsburgh supremacy.
