The AFC North is always one of the most exciting divisions in the NFL year in and year out. All four teams are very capable of making the playoffs, but for different reasons. There has been a lot of movement this offseason surrounding this division that could definitely shake up some standings from last year. Here is how I think these teams will fare this season.
Will the Browns Get Back to the Playoffs?
The Browns had a disappointing 2021 season that resulted in missing the playoffs. This offseason, they decided to move on from Baker Mayfield and signed Deshaun Watson. Deshaun Watson has been suspended for the first six games, which lands Jacoby Brissett the starting job. The Browns have one of the most talented backfields with Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt, which will open up the game for Brissett.
The Browns also signed Amari Cooper from the Cowboys which will take over the WR1 position, with Donovan Peoples-Jones moving to WR2. I believe this whole season for the Browns relies on whether-or-not Deshaun Watson’s suspension is elongated. If Watson is able to play after week six, I could see them finishing 9-8. If he is suspended indefinitely, I believe they will be in the 6-10 area.
Can the Steelers Win Without Big Ben?
The Steelers 2021 season was a successful end for Ben Roethlisberger’s career. They managed to make the playoffs with a 9-7-1 record. The Steelers are going to need their new quarterback, Mitch Trubisky, to find the same form he had at North Carolina if they want to make it back to the playoffs. Trubisky has yet to find his footing in the NFL, but Najee Harris, Diontae Johnson, and Chase Claypool will help ease him back into a starting role.
The Steelers defense will need to be elite this year if they want to compete in this division. They have one of the most talented linebacker cores in the NFL consisting of TJ Watt, Devin Bush, Myles Jack, and Alex Highsmith. These four, plus Minkah Fitzpatrick will need to step up this year and help their offense with some positive field position. I see the Steelers finishing the season with a 9-8 record and just missing a Wild Card spot.
Will Lamar Get Back to His MVP Form?
The Ravens had a very disappointing 2021 season with a final record of 8-9. Lamar Jackson had his worst season since entering the NFL and it showed. The Ravens didn’t have much depth in the backfield after season ending injuries to JK Dobbins and Gus Edwards. With that being said, these two additions will help Lamar Jackson get back to his MVP ways this season. These are two of the most talented young running backs in the league and when healthy, can cause problems for opposing defenses.
Jackson lost his WR1, Marquise Brown, to the Cardinals this offseason. Therefore, Rashod Bateman will take over as the WR1 this year and become a leader on offense with Jackson. Bateman has the talent, but also has a lot of pressure with making the jump to WR1. I believe Lamar Jackson will put this team on his back this season and put up MVP like numbers to help the Ravens to a 10-7 record and securing a Wild Card spot.
Can the Bengals Repeat as AFC Champs?
The Bengals had a remarkable season with a 10-7 record and winning the AFC Championship game. They lost to the Rams in the Super Bowl, but this was a season to remember for Cincinnati. Joe Burrow and Ja’Maar Chase lit up the stat books and showed to be one of the best dynamic duos in the NFL. Chase won Offensive Rookie of the year and proved he will be a force to reckon with for many years. This Bengals team is very young and has the potential to become a dynasty.
The Bengals have one of the best wide receiver cores in the NFL with Ja’Maar Chase, Tyler Boyd, and Tee Higgins. Burrow has plenty of targets on this offense, and with Joe Mixon in the backfield, proves how elite they are. Therefore, look for the Bengals to stay in their winning ways. I see the Bengals finishing this year with an 11-6 record and winning the AFC North for the second consecutive year. Lastly, look for Joe Burrow’s name in the MVP race this year.
