Rivalries make sports. And no sport has rivalries like the National Football League.
With so few games per season compared to the other three North American major men’s sports leagues, every contest holds critical importance. And in the AFC, we’ve seen some of the league’s best action, whether it’s been between two division rivals clashing for a chance to host a playoff game, or two of the league’s best fighting for a Super Bowl appearance.
The conference has seen some epic confrontations over recent years, highlighted by the Steelers and Ravens doing their annual battle in the AFC North. Then there’s the Bills and Chiefs, who, despite being in different divisions, have played a staggering nine times in the past five seasons.
But which rivalries are the hottest for each franchise? Let’s take a look.
Baltimore Ravens
Biggest rival: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Ravens have existed for only 30 seasons, and their chief rival has never changed. The Steelers have been their division nemesis, with the two fashioning some of the hardest-hitting games this century.
The Ravens and Steelers have combined to win 17 of the 23 division titles since realignment in 2002, with the duo also winning four Super Bowls and appearing in five since the ’05 season.
