Kyle Van Noy wasn’t just eyeing quarterbacks on Saturday. He was also eyeing a payday, and he nailed both targets. Speak of a game with high stakes and even higher rewards!

The linebacker clinched a $250,000 bonus with his 12th sack of the season during the Ravens’ dominant 35-10 win over the Browns. Van Noy cashed in on his incentive-packed deal while helping Baltimore secure the AFC North. But he didn’t stop there. He also gave a playful nod to fans rooting for his payday. “I saw there was a prop bet out there. I think a couple of people hit,” Van Noy said during the post-game chat with Mike Garafolo.

However, Ravens coach John Harbaugh struck a balanced tone after the win. “[It’s a] very big deal to win the AFC North against the Browns,” he said, praising his team’s effort. But he didn’t shy away from calling out areas for improvement, sending a strong message to his team.

“We can be so much better,” Harbaugh emphasized, citing penalties and operational lapses as concerns. “We weren’t very clean in this game with too many penalties; operationally, we weren’t probably as great as we wanted to be.” Even with a four-game win streak, Harbaugh knows the playoffs demand perfection. His message was clear: celebrate the win, but keep improving.

This mindset resonates with Kyle Van Noy, who understands playoff success better than most. “It is gonna take every 11 of us,” Van Noy said. “I’m excited for the playoffs. Hunger Game is gonna start.” His words reflect a team that’s hungry, focused, and ready to make a statement. After all, he has been instrumental throughout their journey.

Van Noy’s role in the AFC North clinch

The 32-year-old veteran’s resurgence has been pivotal for Baltimore’s defense. A defense that has flourished this season. Van Noy has become a force alongside defensive anchors like Kyle Hamilton and Roquan Smith. He has accomplished 12.5 sacks and thirty-nine tackles. Add to that twenty-one quarterback hits, and you have a standout performance. He’s not just an incentive-hitting machine. He’s a leader for a defense that helped the Ravens climb to a 12-5 record. However, Van Noy wasn’t the only Raven celebrating milestones.

Quarterback Lamar Jackson threw two touchdowns to cap an MVP-worthy regular season. All the while, Derrick Henry rushed for two scores. This included a 43-yard sprint. The Ravens’ offense, defense, and special teams all clicked. And they are showcasing their playoff readiness.

Baltimore’s defense has been dominant, but their complementary football shines brightest. Jackson’s dynamic play, Henry’s power runs, and Van Noy’s defensive presence form a balanced attack. The Ravens are poised for a deep postseason run with a home playoff game on the horizon.

But the game wasn’t perfect. Pro Bowl wide receiver Zay Flowers exited in the second quarter with a knee injury. The team will monitor his status closely, with the playoffs just a week away.

As Baltimore celebrates its AFC North crown, it’s also keeping their eyes on a bigger prize. And with Kyle Van Noy, Jackson, and Harbaugh steering the ship, Baltimore isn’t settling for division titles. It’s Super Bowl or bust for this squad.