Which Teams Should Ravens Back?

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Post on Jan 12, 2025

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Which Teams Should Ravens Back? A Baltimorean's Guide to Strategic Fandom

Hey there, fellow Baltimore Ravens fans! Let's talk strategy, because being a fan isn't just about passion; it's about shrewd observation, calculated alliances, and a healthy dose of schadenfreude. We bleed purple and black, but the NFL is a complex ecosystem, and knowing which teams to root for besides our beloved Ravens can significantly enhance the viewing experience. So, grab your Natty Boh, settle in, and let's dissect this deliciously complicated question: Which teams should Ravens fans secretly (or not-so-secretly) back?

The AFC North Rivalry: A Necessary Evil

We’ll start with the obvious: the AFC North. Love them or hate them (mostly hate them), the Bengals, Browns, and Steelers are inextricably linked to our destiny. While rooting for them outright is a bridge too far, understanding their dynamics is crucial.

Understanding the Bengals: A Frenemy's Embrace

The Bengals, with their flashy quarterback and increasingly potent offense, are perhaps our most interesting rivals. Do we want them to completely dominate? Absolutely not. But a Bengals win against a common enemy, say the Chiefs, provides a certain…satisfaction. Think of it as a begrudging alliance against a greater foe.

The Browns: A Tale of Two Eras

The Browns have been, shall we say, inconsistent. Their recent success is undeniably impressive, and we can't ignore the threat they pose. However, we should remember that they always pose a threat to the AFC North Championship. It's a complicated relationship: we certainly don’t want them to win the division, but seeing them stumble against a team we dislike? Pure gold.

The Steelers: Eternal Animosity

The Steelers. The very name conjures up images of decades of brutal battles and legendary clashes. There's no room for compromise here. Absolutely, unequivocally, under no circumstances should a Ravens fan ever, ever root for the Steelers. Ever. (Unless, of course, they are playing the Patriots. Then, all bets are off…)

Beyond the Division: Strategic Alliances

Stepping outside the AFC North opens up a fascinating world of strategic alliances. Consider these key factors:

The AFC Championship Picture: Who's Blocking Our Path?

The AFC is a battleground, and identifying our main competition for a Super Bowl berth is paramount. Teams like the Bills, Chiefs, and Chargers regularly emerge as contenders. A loss by one of these teams to a less threatening opponent? Well, that's a cause for celebration, isn't it?

The Draft: A Long-Term Perspective

The draft is a crucial element of NFL success. A team drafting exceptionally well can set itself up for years of dominance. In the spirit of long-term strategy, we might find ourselves rooting for certain teams to do poorly, ensuring they pick high – and, well, perhaps that player will end up in a team that's not the Patriots.

The Playoff Picture: Chaos is Our Friend

The NFL playoffs are often chaotic and unpredictable. This is our moment to shine. Unexpected upsets can benefit the Ravens significantly, making the wild card race far more entertaining. Unexpected wins for low-seeded teams create an exciting atmosphere and can benefit the Ravens in the long run.

The Wildcard Factor: Embrace the Unexpected

This is where things get truly fascinating. Who's the team that unexpectedly rises to prominence? Who's the team with the potential to throw a wrench into the playoffs? We might see a team we wouldn't normally cheer for turn into an unexpected ally, at least until the playoffs come around.

The Enemy of My Enemy is My Friend…Sometimes

This age-old adage applies perfectly here. If a team consistently beats our rivals, we can appreciate their efforts, even if we don't particularly care for them. It's a complicated web of alliances, built on mutual hatred for common enemies.

Conclusion: Fandom is a Strategic Game

Being a Ravens fan isn't just about blind loyalty; it's about understanding the intricacies of the league and using that knowledge to enhance your viewing pleasure. Rooting for certain teams, or at least enjoying their victories over our rivals, is not a betrayal – it's intelligent fandom. It's about strategic thinking in the midst of sporting chaos. It's about taking your team’s success beyond the field and expanding to its potential in the league. It’s about being smart. So, go forth, fellow Ravens fans, and strategize!

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Is it okay to feel a little bit of glee when a rival team loses, even if it doesn't directly benefit the Ravens?

A1: Absolutely! Schadenfreude is a perfectly acceptable, even encouraged, emotion in the world of NFL fandom. It's part of the fun.

Q2: How do I reconcile rooting for another team without betraying my loyalty to the Ravens?

A2: Think of it as strategic alliances, not betrayal. You're not abandoning the Ravens; you're simply recognizing the complexities of the NFL landscape and using that to your advantage.

Q3: Should I ever openly express support for a rival team?

A3: This is tricky territory. Subtle nods of acknowledgment are acceptable, but outright cheering for a rival is likely to result in social ostracism. Proceed with caution.

Q4: What if a team I strategically "root for" ends up playing the Ravens in the playoffs?

A4: The rules change. Loyalty to the Ravens always takes precedence. Strategic alliances are temporary; the purple and black are forever.

Q5: Can strategic fandom enhance the overall viewing experience?

A5: Absolutely. By understanding the wider dynamics of the league, you'll find yourself enjoying the games on a whole new level, adding a layer of strategic intrigue to every snap.