The NFL has just released its full 2024 schedule. Fans have wasted no time buying tickets for games and trying to predict which games their team will win or lose.
With this, the sportsbooks have updated the expected win totals for each team. This article will take a closer look at the expectations for each team in the AFC North. Read below to see which teams I think may surprise you and which ones I think will be disappointing.
Baltimore Ravens UNDER 11.5 Wins
It should not be a surprise that the Ravens are projected to have the highest win total in the AFC North. Last year, Baltimore had the best record in the NFL, finishing the 2023 season with a 13-4 record.
Unfortunately, for the Ravens, I think it will be difficult to repeat that success next season. For starters, the Ravens are still in one of the toughest divisions in the NFL. Plus, the Ravens have the second most difficult schedule in 2024 (based on 2023 records). If you combine these factors and add in natural decline, it should be reasonable to expect the Ravens to have at least two fewer wins next season.
Cincinnati Bengals OVER 10.5 Wins
If there is any team that could get some redemption in 2024, it is the Cincinnati Bengals. This team managed to win nine games last season despite QB Joe Burrow missing nearly half of the 2023 season.
One thing going for the Bengals is their 2024 schedule is notably easier compared to their division rivals. The other three AFC North teams rank in the top three for most difficult 2024 schedules. Cincinnati is in the middle of the pack.
It certainly helps that they get to play teams like the New England Patriots, Tennessee Titans, and Carolina Panthers instead of other teams in those divisions. Combine this with Burrow potentially being healthy for a full season, I can easily see the Bengals getting at least two more wins than last season.
Cleveland Browns UNDER 8.5 Wins
This was arguably the toughest team to predict at this stage in the AFC North. Cleveland had a truly remarkable 2023 season, winning 11 games despite starting five different quarterbacks last season.
However, 2024 still looks to have some instability at the quarterback position. This is mainly because we do not know how reliable Deshaun Watson is going to be. When you combine that with having the toughest schedule in the NFL, it is reasonable to believe the Browns may take a step back next season.
Pittsburgh Steelers OVER 8.5 Wins
Last but not least, we have the Pittsburgh Steelers. Despite having a historically bad offense last season, the Steelers still managed to make the playoffs. In 17 years, head coach Mike Tomlin has still not had a losing season with this team.
With that track record in mind, it is hard to bet against Tomlin. While it is reasonable to be skeptical of Russell Wilson and Justin Fields at the quarterback position, it is safe to say that quarterback production can’t get much worse than in 2023. I see no reason to doubt Tomlin’s ability to lead this team to an over .500 record again.
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