Ravens shoot upwards in Week 17 power rankings

Saturday night was a big game for the Baltimore Ravens. It was also a major one for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as only one game separated both teams in the AFC North. The Steelers have given the Ravens fits as of late, including earlier in the season. Week 11's 18-16 loss left a bad taste in the Ravens' mouths, especially Lamar Jackson.

It wasn't the same story in Week 16, as Jackson and the Ravens defeated the Steelers 34-17. Jackson tossed three touchdowns, all to different receivers. Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Rashod Bateman were the recipients, with Zay Flowers leading the team in receiving yards with 100. Flowers eclipsed 1,000 yards for the first time in his career with that performance.

The Ravens defense also came to play, as they forced two key turnovers on Russell Wilson. Marlon Humphrey's pick six came early in the fourth quarter, blowing the game wide open. The Ravens were also able to put pressure on Wilson, sacking him three times with five total hits on the night.

Many were down on the Ravens following their loss to the Philadelphia Eagles a few weeks back, but Bleacher Report has them at a new spot in their Week 17 power rankings. The Ravens went from No.8 to No.6 in this week's list.

The Ravens can still win the AFC North if they win out and the Steelers lose another game. Regardless of their seeding, they look like a complete team prepared to go on a deep postseason run. Lamar Jackson has posted career highs in multiple passing categories. Running back Derrick Henry is a closer on the offensive side of the ball, and the defense can also finish games. Baltimore is giving up the fewest rushing yards, and its pass defense hasn't allowed more than 217 yards in a game since Week 10.

Now that the Ravens and Steelers both have a 10-5 record, Baltimore has their sights set on an AFC North crown.