The AFC North has been one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL the past 20 plus years. With heavy rivalries, and nail-biting games, you never know who will come out in top util the end of the season. Here is how the rankings look headed into the 2024 season.
AFC North Rankings
#4: Cleavland Browns
The Cleavland Browns 2023 season was one of attrition. After losing Nick Chubb, and Deshaun Watson, Cleavland went through three more quarterbacks. Joe Flacco was their savior and led them to the playoffs. The Browns fell short in their playoff game against the Texans but are hoping to get back in 2024. The Browns were led by their stout defense, which they mainly kept together after free agency, filling their holes with new players. The Browns come in fourth because of the unknowns on offense with Nick Chubb, and Deshaun Watson.
#3: Cincinatti Bengals
The Bengals could easily be number one on the list, but after their rough 2023 it was hard to move them up. Cincinatti finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs in 2023. This was mainly due to Joe Burrow being injured for the majority for the season, but luckily backup Jake Browning was very good and was able to lead them to a winning record. After losing some key players in free agency and the looming trade of Tee Higgins, the Bengals land at number three in the AFC North power rankings. With the return of Joe Burrow hopefully Cincinatti came get back to the AFC championship once again.
#2: Pittsburgh Steelers
After a season of Matt Canada, and bad quarterback play the Steelers finished with a 10-7 record and in the playoffs in 2023. Out of all the AFC north teams, the Steelers have had the biggest free agency. With the complete rebuild of their quarterback room with Russel Wilson and Justin Feilds, Pittsburgh has high hopes for 2024. After losing very little in free agency and filling huge holes on the defense, the Steelers are hoping to make a big run in the playoffs. This land Pittsburgh in the two slots after finishing better than the Bengals and making more improvements headed into 2024.
#1: Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens 2023 season came up just short from the Super Bowl. Baltimore fell short in the AFC championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though they fell short of the main goal, quarterback Lamar Jackson won his second MVP. The Ravens have had a tough free agency losing a couple players, but also haven’t really signed anyone. The Ravens did sign Derrick Henry in hope to have the best rushing offense in the NFL. Until Baltimore and Lamar Jackson have a bad season, they land at the number one spot in the power rankings.
You could make an argument for any of these teams to be number one, and any of them to be number four. These are my rankings as of right now, these could easily change after the draft, and then again after the first couple weeks of the regular season. The AFC north is the toughest division in football and who knows who will come out on top in 2024.
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