Who Should Ravens Fans Cheer For?

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Post on Jan 12, 2025

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Who Should Ravens Fans Cheer For? Navigating the NFL Landscape After the Season

The Baltimore Ravens season has concluded, leaving fans with a familiar mix of emotions: pride in the team's fight, disappointment at the outcome, and the inevitable question: who should Ravens fans cheer for now? It's a question with no easy answer, and one that depends heavily on individual priorities. Let's explore some options and the reasons behind them.

Supporting AFC North Rivals (…or Not!)

The most immediate, and arguably most difficult, decision is whether to root for fellow AFC North teams. The Bengals, Browns, and Steelers are all direct competitors, and their successes often come at the Ravens' expense. Choosing to support one of them feels like a betrayal to some, a violation of the sacred bond of purple pride.

The Case Against Supporting AFC North Rivals:

• Rivalry: The intense rivalries within the AFC North are legendary. Supporting a divisional opponent feels counterintuitive and can strain friendships.
• Long-Term Implications: A rival's success can make the Ravens' path to the playoffs harder in future seasons.
• Pride: For many Ravens fans, supporting a rival is simply against their principles.

The Case For (Perhaps Surprisingly) Supporting AFC North Rivals:

• Weak Opponents: A successful AFC North rival can weaken the other teams in the division, ultimately benefiting the Ravens long-term.
• Conference Success: A strong AFC North means more AFC teams make the playoffs, potentially strengthening the conference as a whole (and thus indirectly benefiting the Ravens' image).
• Strategic Thinking: In a complex NFL landscape, sometimes the best way to help your team is to root for the least detrimental outcome.

Expanding Your NFL Horizons: Beyond the Division

Looking beyond the AFC North opens up many options. Many Ravens fans find common ground cheering for teams with connections to Baltimore:

• Former Ravens: Following the careers of beloved former players is a natural extension of fandom. Where do your favorite former Ravens players now play? Their success is a reflection of the Ravens' organization's positive impact.

• Teams with Strong Baltimore Ties: Do you harbor a fondness for certain coaching staffs, management styles, or team philosophies that resonate with the Ravens' own approach to the game? Their success validates that shared approach.

• Teams with Shared Values: Perhaps you're drawn to teams known for their strong defense, community involvement, or commitment to player development, mirroring the values you appreciate in the Ravens.

The "Neutral" Fan Approach: Enjoying the Game Without a Specific Team

There's also a perfectly valid option of enjoying the NFL playoffs and Super Bowl as a neutral fan. This allows for an unbiased appreciation of the game's strategy, athleticism, and excitement without the emotional investment of rooting for a specific team.

Ultimately, the Choice is Yours

The question of who Ravens fans should cheer for after the season is deeply personal. There's no right or wrong answer; it boils down to individual priorities and emotional connections to the NFL landscape. Whether you choose to stick with the purple, explore new allegiances, or adopt a more neutral stance, remember to enjoy the excitement and drama that the NFL playoffs bring. After all, being a fan is all about finding what brings you joy.